Matt had attended my coffee house course approximately 2 years before opening Swallow Coffee Shop. He had employed my services beforehand when he was considering a previous site in West London, but negotiations broke down. Eventually, he called me in 2017 to design the counter in his site on Goldhawk Rd, London.

To begin the process, I conducted an extensive site visit to determine the best use of the space and the client’s vision. Armed with this knowledge, I set to work creating detailed sectional drawings that would serve as a blueprint for the counter’s construction.

These drawings highlighted several crucial elements:

• Storage Solutions: The design incorporated ample cupboard space to efficiently store essential supplies and equipment, ensuring a clutter-free workspace.
• Durable Construction: The counter frame was meticulously designed using high-quality materials to withstand the rigours of daily operation.
• Functional Voids: Strategic voids were incorporated into the design to accommodate electrical services and plumbing fixtures, such as the ice machine and milk fridge, optimizing the counter’s efficiency.
• Ergonomic Design: The counter height and length were carefully calculated to provide a comfortable and ergonomic workspace for baristas, enhancing productivity and reducing strain.
• Dedicated Coffee Station: A designated coffee station was included in the layout, complete with ample workspace for coffee grinders and drink preparation.
• Essential Filtration: The importance of water quality was emphasized, and the placement of water filters was carefully considered to ensure optimal coffee quality.
• Enticing Food Display: A visually appealing food display area was integrated into the design, supplying customers with delicious items from their sandwich and pastry partners.
• Convenient Payment Point: A designated pay point was included, streamlining the customer experience and optimizing workflow.

The finished counter is a prominent feature of Swallow Coffee Shop. It’s stylish but also highly functional, contributing to the overall success of their business.