Process

The bespoke steel bar’s zig-zag formation cuts through the space. The bar’s heavy form contrasts with smooth metal furnishings by HAY and Petite Friture. These sit alongside more tactile aspects of the space, such as Clayworks and the linen-upholstered bench seating. The in-built Sonos system pulses the beating playlist through these hard and soft surfaces.

The original floorboards from 1895 have been repaired and treated with a charcoal oil, which anchors the entire scheme. In contrast, the lighting seeks to punctuate. Each table is zoned with ambient ESTILUZ wall lights and the entire space is illuminated front-to-back by a neon squiggle.

Outside is a place for hanging out too. Here, HAY’s Palissade Bench sits under an awning, inviting you to take a minute and watch the world go by.

The complete transformation of this site into one of Scotland’s top coffee destinations demonstrates how design and architecture activates a streetscape, gathers a local community and motivates us to tune into our surroundings.