Mid-century masterpiece: Arcade Food Theatre
Design studio Macaulay Sinclair has designed the interior for London’s Arcade, a unique all-day food theatre.
The studio, which is well-known for designing interiors of high-profile brands including Hawksmoor, Dishoom and Caravan, has worked collaboratively with Arcade to create a contemporary yet contextual design for Centre Point’s mid-century modernist space. Originally designated as a bus garage, the Grade II listed modernist 12,500 sq ft space offers stunning views of St Giles Square, with full storey-height glazing and retractable doors.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an ovular shaped central island bar, cast using concrete panels resembling the floor, giving the impression the form has grown from it organically. The feature bar has a black marble counter with mid-century inspired light fixtures, sitting underneath digital artwork from Marco Brambilla.
Mid-century materials were selected to complement Centre Point’s iconic architecture and heritage, while each kitchen brand concept has it’s own unique Arcade material palette. Finishes of terrazzo, marble, formica, marmoleum and polished concrete contrast with each other against the building’s listed features, including tiled piloti columns, monochromatic mosaic floor tiles and a central stone staircase.
Contract and bespoke furniture as well as original mid-century classic pieces were sourced to complement Arcade’s eclectic furniture collection. A bespoke lighting gantry suspended from the building’s concrete ceiling soffit illuminates each food theatre kitchen and dining spaces.
