Harrison has redesigned the food and beverage space at McArthur Glen’s East Midlands Designer Outlet, creating ‘a bright, coherent, and calming dining hub’, according to the agency.
A collection of disparate food outlets in a ‘tired and outdated setting’ has now been unified into a space that ‘celebrates communal eating and sets a new standard for dining within retail destinations’. A circular design eliminates dead ends, while a variety of seating options include banquettes, booths and high tables.
The design embraces natural materials, including oak, ash and maple, while custom-crafted steel elements in a blackened finish are integrated to balance the organic wood tones. Polished black concrete and terracotta counter fronts imported from Spain add an industrial feel.
Approximately 98% reclaimed and carefully selected materials were used, and the design also incorporates live plants.
Harrison developed an acoustic solution in collaboration with an acoustic engineer, integrating decorative baffles, artwork and specialised linings into the walls and ceilings. These elements are ‘prevent cavernous echoes while creating a softening effect’, the company stated.
The lighting is a cornerstone of the design, with a central installation serving as the space’s focal point, engineered to use low-energy lighting that illuminates the 20,000ft2 area.
‘Our aim was to create an environment that was both commercially viable and exceptionally welcoming. We wanted it to feel premium but accessible, where groups and more local individual operators can co-exist, and crucially which would resonate with everyone visiting the shopping outlet, from local regulars to visitors from further afield,’ said Dean Concannon, executive design director at Harrison.
Patrick Finney, from McArthur Glen, praised the transformation: ‘Working with Harrison… has been a highly rewarding experience. The team’s creativity, attention to detail and deep understanding of our vision have fully redefined our food and beverage offer.’
