Having experienced the hospitality and the delicacies served at the Lavazza flagship store in Milan, I couldn’t wait for their London counterpart to open. Spread over three floors and located in a historical building just opposite Liberty’s in the heart of London, this is a beautifully designed space that goes far beyond our normal understanding of a coffee store. Lavazza offers us here an immersive experience that celebrates coffee in all its forms, under the “Coffee Design” concept that runs through the whole space.
Lavazza’s commitment to sustainability is reflected not just on the source of their coffee but also in all the materials used in the construction and design of the place. On the ground floor, visitors can take a seat in the stunning “Caffetteria”. The counter, designed by celebrated Italian architect Carlo Ratti, takes inspiration from the shape of the coffee bean and is made from a combination of brass and re-used exhausted coffee powder. The amazing chandelier mirrors the one in their Milan Flagship store and is made of 700 resin beans.
The iconic chandelier made of 700 resin coffee beans was designed by JHP and produced by Bilumen.
Apart from a wide variety of coffees to choose from, Caffetteria offers a delicious selection of fine patisserie. Later in the day, patrons can enjoy a series of “Coffeetails” and cocktails created exclusively for Lavazza – such as the Nuvola Spritz, Passion>Me or the Negroni Cold Brew–paired with a selection of small bites for the ultimate Italian aperitivo.
Created by the Lavazza team and Ferran Adriá, Passion> Me is a unique combination of coffee and tropical fruit to make an amazing non-alcoholic cocktail.
On the first floor, the store designers have created a striking living wall, made from real plants and emblazoned with a visionary, 100-year-old quote from founder Luigi Lavazza, which reads: “I don’t want to live in a world where nature is destroyed” and is testament to the brand’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. Here is where those looking for the perfect combination of coffee and top gastronomy can enjoy a menu curated by Italian Michelin Star chef, Federico Zanasi (Condividere) which blends high-quality seasonal ingredients with elegance and a touch of Mediterranean flair. To finish your meal, there is a sophisticated range of coffees available, such as the limited-edition 1895 Avanguardia micro lot, which originates from the Yemen.
Coffee designers and coffeliers find the finest beans and tailor the roasting process to bring out their fullest flavour.
The 1895 range of speciality coffee comprises single origin, blends and precious micro-lot coffees, combining high-quality beans from independent, sustainable plantations. In the grocery area, customers can participate in tasting sessions with a “Coffelier” – the sommelier of the coffee world – where they will be guided through each coffee’s aromatic notes across different preparation methods. To heighten the senses further, Lavazza has also created an interactive installation above the tasting area, which projects the flavour hues of each blend onto the ceiling, further cementing the concept of immersive experience.
23-24, Great Marlborough Street. London W1F 7HU
Reservations: 020 3307 3730
https://www.lavazza.co.uk/en/about-us/stores/flagshipstore.html
Words: Julia Pasarón
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