Insight
The design for a restaurant, bar and store skilfully uses form, proportions and materiality to marry the distinctive upmarket brand with the historic, landmark building.
Idea
The central bar adopts a warm, textured material palette that complements the hues of The Royal Exchange’s dominant material, Portland stone. The bar takes additional cues from the delicate architectural details in Fortnum & Mason’s Piccadilly home, resulting in a contemporary interpretation of the original store’s historic frame structures, filigree latticework and English silverware. All of the metalwork and hand-blown glass detail within the island counter have been created in the Southeast of England, whilst the bespoke leather banquettes incorporate the Fortnum & Mason ‘eau de nil’ colour palette.
Impact
Sensitive, respectful and impeccably detailed, Fortnum & Mason at The Royal Exchange brings luxury heritage and tradition to an historic destination in the heart of the City.
AKQA is a design and innovation company that employs over 6,500 professionals across 20 countries. Named Digital Agency Global Network of the Year in Campaign’s 2023 Global Agency of the Year Awards, AKQA was also awarded the Cannes Lions Grand Prix for Digital Craft in 2023, and the Grand Prix for Design in 2021. In 2023, AKQA was recognised as a winner in Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Awards. AKQA also won Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas in 2021, and 2022 and led Gartner’s research into global marketing agencies in 2021.