Jump Studios Refurbishes New Staff Restaurant at Fortnum & Mason, London
October 12, 2015
London-based architecture and interiors practice Jump Studios has designed the refurbishment of Fortnum & Mason’s sixth floor staff restaurant, in London’s Mayfair.
Working closely with Fortnum & Mason, Jump Studios’ design has transformed the restaurant into a bright and airy 95-seat space, principally by raising the existing ceiling to allow for more generous natural light and increasing circulation through the layout using bespoke seating and service furniture.
The brief from the luxury department store sought to dramatically enhance the previously drab staff restaurant, creating a space that would convey quality and elevate employee experience complementing the high-quality service provided by Fortnum & Mason to its customers.
Driven by the brief, Jump Studios’ sophisticated design creates a multi-use space open throughout the day in which the Fortnum & Mason team can relax, and client meetings and interviews can be held. There is also a small worktable with computers provided for employees.
Jump Studios’ Senior Associate Go Sugimoto said: ‘‘Our design translates the ethos of Fortnum & Mason’s luxury brand into the aesthetic and usage of the restaurant space. We endeavoured to bring colour, light and texture to the room, but even beyond that, we wanted to transform the restaurant into a welcoming place to eat, relax, socialise and sometimes, conduct business. ”
‘‘The raised ceiling was essential to this effort, as it opened up the space, affecting light and overall atmosphere and became a core design element to define the various zones in the restaurant,” added Jump Studios’ Senior Associate Michelle Nicholls.
The space uses durable materials including wood, metal and leather and the ‘on-brand’ colour palette is a nod to Fortnum & Mason’s signature ‘eau-de-nil’ colour representing the brand outside of the customer context. Clean, white porcelain tile flooring and custom freestanding benches with bistro-style tables are set in the centre of the space zoning to ease circulation. The finishes have been hand-painted to allow for the furniture to be easily repaired on-site.
Wooden stools assembled by the windows offer employees the opportunity to take a quick, informal lunch. Dark-grey ribb upholstered banquettes paired with Corian-top café tables and steam-bent wood café chairs provide ample seating, while booths located near to the windows offer more privacy in an intimate setting.
Lisa Phillips Project Manager at Fortnum & Mason said: “We want our staff to feel proud of the environment they work in and this ambition extends to all staff facilities within the store. The Restaurant has been designed to provide a welcome base for staff to take a break, catch up with colleagues and enjoy high quality food. In doing so, it will ensure staff return to the shop floor energised and motivated to provide our customers the high level of professional service for which Fortnum & Mason is known.”