Blacksheep
Eagle House, 167 City Rd London EC1V 1AW
With a passion for food and beverage design and an in-depth knowledge of the sector, Tim Mutton set up his hospitality design practice Blacksheep in 2002. The consultancy delivers a complete guest experience though their multidisciplinary approach, frequently commissioned by clients to design branding and graphics alongside their interior design concepts.
Challenged to create a connected concept over five floors, Blacksheep’s concept for the Hyundai Card Cooking Library brings to life the joys of cooking and all things food in an immersive environment. Open to Hyundai Card members the analogue space is an antidote to the fast pace of city life and features a shop, deli, café, a library filled with 10,000 cookery books, ‘The Greenhouse’ dining room and a kitchen which is where the concept really comes to life.
Open atriums and mezzanine floors have been used create natural connections between the spaces. Appealing to the senses, alongside the displays of artisan bread, cheeses and charcuterie, Blacksheep have mixed rustic, homely, industrial and contemporary domestic materials in the same space, each is well placed and works both on a visual and tactile level. From the changes in materials to create different zones and pace, to the high-end furniture and lighting choices, every element of the concept has been well considered, it’s an exceptional concept.
Paying homage to both the monastic architecture of its Prague location and Mandarin Oriental’s origins, they have created a tranquil and beautifully sculpted interior for the reception areas and dining rooms, which feature gold and natural earthy tones contrasted with white passageways, reminiscent of Gaudi’s Casa Batilo in Barcelona.
Working with Brasserie Blanc they have developed the brand to create a warm and homely ambience within their restaurants that celebrates the authenticity of French food cooked with love.
With a great understanding of the practical and operational workings of restaurants Blacksheep are also experienced in the rollout of their concepts. For the introduction of Five Guys into the UK they have designed over 100 sites and will also be working with them for their expansion across Europe.
They’ve also been working with Jamie’s Italian for several years completing many sites both in the UK and abroad. Many of the sites take reference from the interior architecture of their surroundings to create unique experiences for their guests.
Blacksheep can also count Ritz Carlton Hotels and Resorts, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Wagamama and Brewdog amongst their clients. If you’d like to know more about Blacksheep please contact Tim Mutton.