The client was passionate about her native Iranian food, and wanted to introduce some of her tried-and-tested dishes to her local market in Belsize Park, North London.  After attending my coffee shop course, she asked me to combine this passion with coffee, enabling her to take the next step and transform her vision into reality.

The Brief
The project involved a comprehensive spatial design, encompassing every aspect of the coffee shop, requiring a full interior rebuild. The premises had previously been used as a tiling shop, with an emphasis on retail display on the ground floor,  and storage on the mezzanine. The client wanted to prepare, display and serve fresh salads and handmade food, so the counter needed to be a main feature. Elsewhere, the space needed to be tactile, warm & relaxing, Her favourite spice was cinnamon, and this was taken into consideration when creating the logo.

Key Design Considerations
After clearing the site of it’s tiling stock, I produced existing and proposed layouts, enabling my building team to plan costs. A detailed equipment legend outlining the specific requirements for each piece of machinery was produced, allowing for planning & positioning of services such as power and drainage. These drawings were submitted to the local council on the government planning portal, along with a DAS (Design & Access Statement) document which I produced after my onsite evaluation.  I was nominated as the agent by the client, project managing council issues and the critical path.

A raised counter with high seating was incorporated into the shopfront window, offering views out of the coffee shop.  A new awning provided relief from the sun on brighter days, and protected the outdoor seating on wetter ones. New engineered wood flooring was laid throughout and custom made reclaimed wooden wall retail display units were crafted by a skilled master carpenter I engaged for the duration of the project.

A key element of the design was the large counter, which was hand made from reclaimed wood. The counter frame was meticulously designed using high-quality materials to withstand the rigours of daily operation. The counter height and length were carefully calculated to provide a comfortable and ergonomic workspace for staff, enhancing productivity and reducing strain. A designated coffee station was included in the layout, complete with ample workspace for coffee grinders and drink preparation. The food area included a bespoke glass display, showcasing fresh food. Towards the rear were separate dish wash & food wash sinks, refrigeration, food preparation, dry storage areas, and additional storage.

To comply with Building Control & Fire Safety requirements, the existing old safety features were removed, and new CCTV, emergency lighting, heat sensors and modern fire-resistant doors were fitted throughout.

To establish a strong brand identity, we collaborated on the design of the name & logo. As usual, we presented five initial concepts, each reflecting the essence of Cinnamon. After careful consideration and several iterations, we finalized a design that perfectly embodied the essence of the brand.

The logo was applied to additional branding throughout the business, including the new awning, business & loyalty cards. We also built and launched the company website. Upon completion, we provided the client with a comprehensive brand logo pack. This package included vector formats, raster formats, typeface styles, and brand guidelines. The brand guidelines consisted of a detailed document outlining the proper usage of the logo, colour palette, and typography, ensuring a cohesive brand identity.

In preparation for opening,  I provided the client with essential tools such as my excel staff rota template, excel supplier stock and product list, and a sample job advertisement. These resources helped us to interview, recruit and organise staff, to place orders and to control stock.

Upon opening, further barista training was conducted during the first week of trading. Working beside the client, I assumed the position of store manager, opening, closing and running the premises whilst staff grew accustomed to new work procedures.

The Result
Cinnamon Deli & Coffee offered exceptional coffee and delicious food, becoming a valuable part of the local community.