Journal
Mix Interiors: Interview with Toni Black
In the latest issue of Mix Interiors our Interior Design Director & partner Toni Black discusses Blacksheep’s brand-led design approach and the importance of having a little fun with every project.
Check out the full article here
Summer Flock Afternoon: Pot Luck
At Blacksheep, we enjoy coming together as a team for our regular potlucks throughout the year. These gatherings are the perfect opportunity to reconnect – all while enjoying a delightful array of food.
This summer, our spread featured a mouthwatering selection of dishes from around the globe, including flavours from the Caribbean, Canada, South Africa and India, making it a truly diverse and delicious feast.
Flock Day Out: Boulebar
Flock Summer Social
Last week, our team took a break from the studio and ventured to Waterloo for a game of boules at Boulebar. Our teams fiercely competed for the title of boules champion, all while enjoying a few refreshing drinks and great company. Despite a bit of rain, we had a blast with plenty of fun and a hint of friendly competition.
Spotlight: Chef Tom Barnes
We are excited to announce our partnership with chef Tom Barnes on his new restaurant, Skof, which opened in May 2024 – with a vision to create an unpretentious yet ambitious dining experience in the NOMA district of Manchester.
National Restaurant Awards Winner – Skof
We’re delighted to announce that Skof in Manchester has just been awarded ‘One to Watch’ at the prestigious National Restaurant Awards 2024 this week.
Congratulations to Tom Barnes and team.
” Skof might offer a 15-course tasting menu, but it’s being pitched as something that is informal and energetic: a star-chasing restaurant for a city that likes to party. “
One to Watch 2024
National Restaurant Awards List – Aulis
We’re thrilled to see that Simon Rogan’s Michelin-starred Aulis featured in the National Restaurant Awards List 2024.
Congratulations to Simon Rogan and team.
” In 2023, the restaurant underwent a major glow up that saw it double in size to 12 covers and become more of a complete restaurant experience thanks to the addition of a new adjoining lounge area for guests to have drinks before or after dinner. Design details include a striking stone countertop that spans the main dining space, rich green furnishings and earthy tones alongside warm hues and multi-textural accents. “
National Restaurant Awards List 2024
Mix Awards 24 Finalist – Best Design Firm of the Year
We’re absolutely thrilled to have been made a finalist for’ Best Design Firm of the Year’ by the @mix.interiors awards.
As a studio, we strongly believe in the power and value of being strategy-led with a collaborative, inclusive and independent culture and are always looking to evolve with bringing forward-thinking ideas, innovative partnerships, and sustainable solutions to our client partners.
Well done to our hugely talented team – keeping our fingers crossed for the awards evening.
To The Table Forum, Vienna
Driving Customer Engagement with the Power of Branding
Paul Mann, our Brand & Creative Strategy Director & Partner recently shared his expertise and insight into creating engaging customer brand experiences at #tothetableforum in Vienna alongside @myfabtravelbook @shangrilahotels and @ennismore
Sustainability Spotlight: Treehouse, London
We recently had the pleasure of exploring Treehouse, London, a hotel that seamlessly blends playful nostalgia with environmental consciousness. Since its inception, Treehouse has been meticulously designed to minimise waste while evoking a sense of whimsy. Notably, the hotel’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its choice to repurpose wood from the packaging used during construction for its interior decor.
This dedication extends to small yet impactful details like using wooden business cards and door hangers, reducing paper waste while creating lasting brand impressions. With its cosy ambiance and nods to childhood memories, Treehouse invites guests to experience the outdoors indoors, fostering a sense of comfort and connection.
Flock Day Out: Pottery Making
At Blacksheep, we take great pleasure in organising quarterly social events to unite our team and foster creativity. Our spring social led us to Skandihus in Hackney Downs, where we spent an afternoon indulging in pottery, pizza, and prosecco. We enjoyed getting our hands dirty, shaping unique creations ranging from mugs and bowls to trinket holders and more.
It was also the birthday of one of our flock members, providing us with the perfect opportunity to celebrate with a well-deserved birthday cake!
Tim Mutton at Global Hospitality Talk 2024, London
Our founder, Tim Mutton, was invited to participate in a panel discussion at the Global Hospitality Talk held at Raffles in London. The panel explored strategies for future-proofing hospitality brands by focusing on emotive design and improving guest experiences. Topics of discussion ranged from the longevity of design concepts to meeting the evolving expectations of luxury guests. Key insights included debates on whether AI might eventually replace human emotion in design, the importance of providing tailored services for Generation X, and Piers Schmidt’s keynote address highlighting the discrepancy in brand value between hotel brands and those in other luxury sectors.
‘Lunch & Learn’ with Sunrise Business Scent
We enjoy hosting ‘Lunch & Learn’ workshops as an opportunity for our flock to keep up to date with the ever growing design and experience possibilities within the hospitality space. This month, we were lucky enough to have Business Design Scent visit the hub and share their scent offering. It was enlightening to understand more about the versatility, process and bespoke opportunities of diffusing scent within hospitality settings.
Liv Awards Winner – Alchemist Berlin
We’re absolutely over the moon to have won two awards for our work @thealchemistde at this year’s @livawards . The project won in the categories of ‘Best Interior Design Restaurant – Casual’ and ‘Best Interior Design Cocktail Bar.’
We couldn’t be prouder of our team, who have crafted an explorative, experiential and dynamic design that celebrates @thealchemistuk first international launch in Berlin, Germany.
We’ve moved into the Leather Market!
We’re delighted to share the news that we have relocated our studio hub to The Leather Market in Bermondsey, London. This exciting move provides our Flock with a much bigger open-plan studio space that meets the needs of our collaborative and flexible working style.
Based in the vibrant heart of Bermondsey, The Leather Market has a rich heritage as a former tannery, the building exudes character, making it the perfect spot to spark our creativity and innovation as designers. We also can’t wait to venture out into the buzzing neighbourhood filled with contemporary culture and some great new foodie spots to uncover.
Sustainability Spotlight: 1 Hotel, Mayfair
At 1 Hotel Mayfair, every detail carefully reflects a commitment to craft and environmental responsibility. It’s an inviting space, where opulence meets sustainability, setting a new precedent for the future of eco-conscious hospitality.
Food for thought: Cardo Roma
The fusion of Cosmic Rhythms and Compositional Freedom served as the driving forces behind the creation of our brand identity for Cardo Roma. Drawing inspiration from Roman architecture, astrology, sculptural installations, and screen prints, we crafted a unique visual narrative.
#blacksheep_inspo
Flock Day Out: Christmas Party
In December, we gathered to toast to a year of hard work and creativity. Our celebration took us to The Alchemist in Battersea, a venue belonging to one of our esteemed clients. The festivities began with a captivating cocktail-making workshop, setting the tone for an evening filled with lively games and a delicious three-course meal.
As we raise our glasses, here’s to another year of creativity, collaboration and craft awaiting us in 2024!
Flock Top Picks: Coffee Guide to London Bridge
Discover our flock’s city guide for the best coffee in London Bridge.
Flock Day Out: Chocolate Workshop
We wouldn’t be Blacksheep if it weren’t for our amazing Flock! To celebrate their hard work and to spend some important team bonding time together, we regularly organise Flock days out that are always experience-led, fun and social.
Our Autumn Social took us to @mychocolate_uk for a chocolate making workshop where our team learnt the art of truffle making and crafted their own handmade creations, whilst indulging in tasty chocolate goodness!
Blacksheep announce new Director Partnership
Read more
Noxe Official Launch Party
Last week we attended the official opening party for Noxe, experiencing how the space comes to life at night.
IF:AND:OR:ELSE – Informing Future Decisions
Kicking off this year’s Festival of Hospitality, we attended an afternoon at Ember Locke, Kensington to reflect on the past, present and future of hospitality.
Inspirational talks from Philippa Wagner of PeoplePlacesSpaces and Stephen McCall, CEO, Edyn along with a guided tour of the beautiful interiors, designed by House of Dre.
Art’otel Battersea Power Station
A great evening as part of the London Hospitality Festival, touring the Art’otel Battersea Power Station. The very talented Jaime Hayon has put his stamp on this one of a kind hotel, views are impactful and colour is king.
Food for thought
Chladni plates were part of our reference and inspiration for the Noxe visual identity. These plates can visualise sound; the plate is dusted with a material in order to see the patterns, such as flour, sand, or salt. Next, the plate is excited by drawing a violin bow across the side of the plate until it reaches resonance. When the plate is excited, some areas vibrate and some areas don’t move.
#blacksheep_inspo
Noxe Barcelona is now open!
Noxe Barcelona is a cocktail bar, Japanese Restaurant, and nightclub that pulses from dusk to dawn to the rhythm of life. In this magical, twilight world, no two moments are alike. They provide the inspiration for branding and design work that swirls and shimmers with raw natural energy. At Noxe, the rhythms of music, moon, stars, and laughter are one – boundless energy for a venue that never sleeps.
Full case study here.
Our Farm Visit for Aulis
The Our Farm experience set in the Cartmel Valley has been re-created and awakened within Soho for our Aulis refurb. Manager John gave us a great insight into the inner workings of the farm and their approach to growing produce in natural and sustainable ways.
Our Farm
Aulis, Soho now open
@aulissimonrogan has officially reopened its doors in Soho, London with a beautiful refreshed and elevated new look designed by our studio. Ready to welcome guests into their expanded 12-seater chef’s table and lounge to experience an exceptional seasonal tasting menu that has been crafted using ingredients and suppliers from @ourfarm
Flock Day Out: Punting
Last month, our team got out of the studio and headed to Oxford for a spot of punting @cherwellboathouse followed by lunch and a few pints and pimms in the sunshine. Luckily, we all managed to stay dry and enjoy a great day of cruising along the beautiful Oxford river banks together.
Artist Collab: Janie Rochfort
It’s always a joy when we get to team up with talented local artists, like Janie Rochfort @betty_larkin, her dreamy landscape for @stregissf illustrates a distinct sense of place conveying the richness of the San Francisco valleys and hills through a soft tonal palette of pastel pinks, deep blues and rich olive greens.
Alchemist Edinburgh has arrived
Say hello to @thealchemistuk newest site in George St, Edinburgh and our third opening for the brand this year.
Taking its cues from the city’s spiritual roots, the interior introduces guests into another dimension of the brand experience featuring sculpted accents, statement art pieces and an alluring double-height cocktail bar designed to compliment and enhance the period character of the building.
HIX 2023: The Umwelt Paradigm
The news is finally out! We are thrilled to be apart of this year’s @hix_event creating a transformative and dynamic hospitality installation that explores the future of hospitality design and the theme of ‘A room with a point of view’ ( alongside @mixd.experience)
Flock Day Out: Terrarium Workshop
Last week our team headed to @coaldropsyard for a terrarium masterclass hosted by @botanicalboys
Big thanks to the fabulous Michael who taught us all about the history of terrariums and the layering and planting techniques needed to create our own miniature garden in glass.
The Dispensary @The Alchemist Glasgow
The Dispensary is an interactive self-serve bar that prepares and presents its cocktails with a theatrical puff of smoke. The future of cocktail service has arrived.
A rail inspired stay in Virginia, US
Kicking off 2023 with a sneak peek into one of our latest projects – a new boutique hotel concept in the US celebrating the golden era of rail travel. We are currently developing both the brand identity and interior design, lots more to come on this one.
Food for thought
Fashion brands are tapping into the F&B scene to create real luxury edible experiences. One of our favourites is Anya Cafe in London by Anya Hindmarch where the brand is tastefully translated to cakes and coffee.
Gucci Osteria by Massimo Botura @ Beverly Hills
#blacksheep_inspo
The Alchemist Glasgow is now open!
We’re excited to announce we’re working with The Alchemist with our first site now open in Glasgow.
The new interior vision draws on a new age of cosmic alchemy and unearthing of hidden realms to transport guests into a uniquely immersive bar experience. We look forward to partnering with The Alchemist across multiple new sites for 2023 and beyond, watch this space.
20 Years of Blacksheep
20 years ago, Blacksheep’s founder, Tim Mutton sought to change the landscape of hospitality and design industries for the better and took the gamble of setting up his own London design agency.
Today, Blacksheep has grown into an internationally acclaimed creative studio, partnering with brands around the world to create powerful and meaningful hospitality brand experiences. This year marks an incredible milestone for our studio as we celebrate our 20th anniversary. Join us as we reflect on two successful decades of groundbreaking design, exploring the past, present and future at Blacksheep.
BIID Interior Design Award Winner 2022
We are honoured by the recognition of all our creative, design and implementation efforts with the Glenlivet Distillery winning Best Design at the 2022 BIID Design Awards held at the Drapers Hall in London.
I feel that this project truly demonstrates all the best in our studio through the collaborative multidisciplinary qualities that it brings to bear across Strategy, Brand, Interior Design and Architecture.
It is also extremely pleasing to see the Glenlivet Distillery Win Europe’s Leading Whisky Distillery Tour at The World Travel Awards 2022.
Thank you JH Pernod Ricard, BIID & everyone associated with the project.
London Design Festival: Montcalm East Panel
Creative Partnerships Benefitting Hospitality
Our Brand & Creative Strategy Director Paul Mann joined a panel discussion focusing on how hospitality design is evolving through partnerships and creative experiences.
Paul and the panel discussed how Montcalm East worked with Blacksheep and Culture A to curate a bespoke art collection that reflects its East London surroundings. By working with a variety of local designers and social enterprises as well as offering photography residencies for students of Ravensbourne university, the hotel supports emerging artists while offering a unique hospitality experience to guests.
Our Summer Flock Day Out!
Flock Day Out! We headed over to the Surrey Hills for a private tour and tasting from some of the finest English wine, gin and beer producers in the region.
Big thanks to:
The Lucan has launched!
The launch of the Lucan took place in July at the JW Marriott, Grosvenor House, the very first standalone Autograph Residences in Mayfair, London.
I’m extremely proud of the Strategy and Branding team achievements in supporting Gulf Islamic Investments (GII) and Grid Properties in the creation of the brand and its execution. It feels like a very defining moment for Paul and the project team Sophie, Mica, Daniel and Chloe who have produced pieces of stand out design work in a new category for Marriott International and our wonderful partners.
We’ve moved into Borough Yards!
We have officially moved into Borough Yards!
“Located a stone’s throw from Borough Market, and within its landmark development, TOG at Borough Yards takes inspiration from the surrounding medieval streets, the famous Borough Market and the emblematic brick arches of the area – with ironwork, textured glass and glazed bricks. Designed with Studio David Thulstrup, you’ll discover a striking, modern lounge with fantastic views overlooking London Bridge, and a timeless, harmonious environment where your teams can connect and grow.”
The St. Regis San Francisco unveils a vibrant redesign
“The reimagined St. Regis Bar experience creates a welcoming atmosphere that epitomizes Northern California luxury, with rich textures and soft metallics that pay tribute the city’s unique vistas. The award-winning London-based design firm Blacksheep imbued the space with a colourful, lively, and stylish personality designed to captivate the imaginations of travellers and locals alike.”
Côte launch to bring a taste of France to Henley-On-Thames
“The new restaurant has a contemporary yet elegant French-inspired interior. Normandy artist Claire de Quénetain has worked to deliver the spirit of France with a series of bespoke mural artworks throughout the restaurant. With an open and inviting feel, show-stopping roof lanterns, Crittall windows and Art Deco accents, the evolved look enables the restaurant to smoothly transition from daytime dining to an ambient space perfect for celebratory evening meals.”
Vanity Fair, France: At the Prince of Wales, Korean-American chef Akira Back turns on electricity again
“First good point: the room, completely redecorated by the British agency Blacksheep, bypasses all the expected clichés as soon as we touch Japanese gastronomy. Art Deco crystal luminaires diffuse soft light, creating a subdued atmosphere just enough. In the center, a large granite table of honor faces the semi-open kitchen, like a theater stage..”
New York Times: Hundreds Line Up as Britain’s First Popeyes Opens
“Curious customers waited for hours at an East London shopping mall to get a taste of the Louisiana-based restaurant’s fried chicken.”
Design Week: Blacksheep designs Glenlivet visitor centre inspired by Scottish wilderness
“Like champagne or wine, whisky can feel quite intimidating for people who don’t feel ‘in the know’. “Our task was to make the experience both entertaining and educational, as well as really accessible.”
Five Guys – Celebrate designing 165 stores open
Opening up at two landmark sites in London at St Pauls and Tower Bridge – we are proud to announce a total of 165 stores designed and completed for Five Guys UK! The team visited the Kings Cross branch back in November 2019 to celebrate our 100th store, and hoping we can have lunch together soon to celebrate the next milestone. We’re also meeting the next challenge by adapting our kitchen and restaurant designs based on the current COVID restrictions.
Bafarat Soho up for Restaurant & Bar Awards 2020
We were very happy to hear that our design for Bafarat in Soho made the shortlist for the 2020 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards in the UK café category. Unfortunately this year the event was completely virtual, but we able to put it on the big screen in the studio and raised a few glasses in celebration. We highly recommend visiting the café for their newly launched afternoon tea…
“At Blacksheep we have always sought to design differently.”
In a complex time of significant transformation with the design industry IFI D2D got in touch with our founder Tim Mutton to discuss how this will affect the future of hospitality design. The world has been disrupted more than we ever imagined, but could this be an opportunity to positively reset our approach and transform the way we use spaces and experience them?
‘It’s fun and fresh, with a little bit of theatre.’
Having designed the Jeddah cafe for Bafarat in 2016, we were delighted to be asked to imagine and bring to life their second cafe here in London. We wanted to capture the rich history and essence of Jeddah’s coffee culture with the fusion of contemporary French Patisserie, and the vibrancy and diversity of London. Anji Connell got in touch to write a feature piece about the project in Hong Kong based magazine, ‘Home Journal’.
Launch of 1920’s Bar at Prince De Galle, Paris
We were approached by this iconic and luxurious hotel in the heart of Paris to update their restaurant and bar offer. We worked on the brand strategy, visual identity and naming for the Parisian Lounge Bar and the interior design for both spaces. On the 7th September, ‘1920’ launched at Prince De Galle, embracing rituals of a bygone era for blissful relaxation and seasonal events.
‘Lunch & Learn’ with Carl Hansen & Søn
At Blacksheep we host ‘Lunch & Learn’ with our favourite suppliers. This month we were lucky to have Carl Hansen & Søn visit the studio to show off their new wishbone chairs. Driven by a passion for craft, their products hero simple, functional and iconic Danish design. They even let us have a chance to try a bit of weaving ourselves!
Tim Mutton at Hotel Conference Budapest
Our founder, Tim was invited to travel to Budapest for the annual HOTCO event. He shared his thoughts on combining his passion for adventure, hospitality, travel, and design with his in-depth knowledge of the practical and operational aspects of a business. ‘At Blacksheep, we believe in challenging the norm, avoiding similarity to help hospitality brands evolve, stand out and grow. I’m humbled that Blacksheep is recently recognised as a leading interior design practice’.
Collaboration with MICE-led hotel group, Cardo
We’re pleased to announce that we are now working with Cardo Hotels, a mice-forward brand focussing on creating hospitality experiences for individual wellbeing and corporate culture. Our team visited all three sites and delved into the local neighbourhoods, history, food culture and the surrounding competition, to help us carve out a unique brand positioning. We are currently working on three sites in Brussels, Rome and Paris and will be sharing more soon. Watch this space.
Viticultural and Artisanal Food in Nappa Valley
For the owners of St Regis, San Francisco to help Blacksheep define the new F&B strategy for the Luxury Collection hotel, to understand the west coast F&B vibe and collect insights on culture, history and heritage.
Our new project with Autograph, an iconic hotel in Porto
In April we took a trip to Porto to visit JN Tower – our hotel site in the heart of the city. Our brand team immersed themselves in the old town, ate in local tabernas, and met the employees of Porto’s famous newspaper, ‘Jornal de Notícias’ who are still working in the building.
‘Contemporary, Yet Organic: Quattropassi al Pescatore’
Located in the heart of Costa Smeralda, we worked on a selection of F&B offers within two resorts Hotel Cervo and Cala de Volpe. We were happy to find out that Wallpaper Magazine and Condé Nast Traveller both published articles dedicated to showcasing our approach on designing a ‘contemporary luxury’ space for Cervo hotel’s in-house restaurant.
Potluck Picnic
Eton Mess, Jamaican Chicken, Swedish meatballs. These are just some of the many delicious dishes the Flock made for our new initiative: Potluck picnic. Once a month we will all tighten the strings on our aprons and mix up a dish to share with the rest of the team. As a studio devoted to food and beverage, our Potluck Picnic is the perfect way for all of us to get together and catch up.
To kick off our first edition, we had a theme that took advantage of our diversely multicultural team: Bring something from your homeland. This resulted in a spectacularly colourful platter of food from across the globe. We piled our plates high, talked about flavours and traditions, and ate together in the sunshine.