I was introduced to Gary through a recommendation from an industry colleague, and his project was nothing short of unique.

The Brief.
His brief was simple yet amusing: he wanted to transform a commercial site into a café where he could display the countless mementos from his travels. But this wasn’t just any café—Gary envisioned a space where customers could immerse themselves in travel stories, share their experiences, and be part of a vibrant, creative atmosphere. And as an avid Lego fan, he wanted to incorporate Lego-inspired furniture and animations into the design. The concept was bold, quirky, and full of potential.

Key Design Considerations.
After evaluating the Lower Marsh Street site in Waterloo, I got to work providing the detailed designs for the space. The first priority was creating the service counter. I developed full counter designs, consisting of plan & sectional drawings, specifying everything from cupboard & void space and counter materials, to electrical services and the water filters beneath the espresso machine. I also mapped out the placement of the coffee station, food display, and pay point to ensure a smooth workflow for the staff.

One of the standout features of the design was a dedicated IT surfing counter, where customers could work whilst enjoying their coffee. Gary envisioned this as a place for people to relax and enjoy the café’s atmosphere, but over time, it became a home for a diverse collection of travel maps, atlases, and guidebooks. Today, this 3-metre counter is a firm favourite among regulars, adding an interactive, community-driven touch to the space.

For the materials, I provided a high-quality wooden worktop for the counters, and my builders expertly built the frame. However, the most personal part of the project was Gary’s contribution to the service counter’s finish. He painstakingly cut and glued thousands of small pieces from old maps, timetables, and guidebooks onto the counter’s outer frame. When I asked him how long it took, he humorously claimed it took weeks, with each piece being “cut with a unicorn’s horn, and licked into place by little kittens,.” In fact, he may not have been too far from the truth!

The café’s equipment fit-out was another crucial element. To complement the service counter, I supplied high-quality café and bar equipment, including a dishwasher, fridges, freezers, and a custom-made stainless steel sink unit. Everything was completed and installed according to my schedule of works, ensuring that the café opened on time and with all its systems running smoothly.

The Result.
The result is a café full of character and charm. The vibrant buzz of customers sharing stories over tea and coffee, coupled with the fun Lego table (a massive 1.8m feature piece), creates a truly one-of-a-kind experience. The travel passports and story wall further enhance the theme, inviting patrons to contribute their own travel memories. Gary’s café quickly became a local favourite. A place where travel, coffee, and community come together.

Awards.
Coffee Stop UK Awards
Best Coffee Shop UK – 2015
Best use of social media by a coffee shop – 2015