Travel Diaries London : Royal Exchange Grind

January 2, 2017

Thinking about taking a short weekend trip to London soon while it is still cold, if only just to enjoy myself a warm cup of espresso in the Royal Exchange Grid cafe and bar. Part of the Grind &Co network of cafe bars ( Covent Garden Grind being one more of my favorites) , Royal Exchange is the newest in line, created with contemporary minimalism in mind. Century-old floorboards were restored underfoot, while the same herringbone pattern in the marble wall tiles was employed in order to define the space even more.

Thoughts on the design process : “In developing the interior for this project, we wanted it to feel more like a bar than a cafe. The materials and colour palette extend this idea of refined, simple elegance, perfect for the area’s affluent clientele” by Biasol Design Studio.

The timeless material palette reflects the project’s context – located in a bustling commercial district alongside high-end boutiques, the cafe attracts a sophisticated clientele. A sleek Carrara marble counter is paired with matt brass foot rails and hooks. Behind the bar, bespoke display shelving continues the brass theme, with bedknob-topped rods capturing a certain nostalgia. The service space was designed to enable quick takeaway orders, while still offering comfortable dine-in options for those with a little time to linger. The lightness of the interior fitout is also manifested in the furniture choices. White three-legged stools with peacock-green upholstery from Danish design house Menu line-up along the marble bench that gazes out the windows onto the busy London street scene.