When Inside Out Contracts received the King’s Award for International Growth, it wasn’t just recognition of its overseas success, but also highlighted the market gap and global demand for British design excellence; a demand that Inside Out Contracts was ready to fulfil. Inside Out Contracts has been behind some of the UK’s and Europe’s most dynamic hospitality projects. From boutique hotels to restaurants, cafes and entertainment venues, their work always combines creativity, design and high quality craftsmanship. Their story, over the past few years, has turned global and nowhere is it more evident than in their ongoing partnership with F1 Arcade.
Designing the Space and Crafting Experiences
F1 Arcade combines the energy of Formula 1 racing, with the atmosphere of a high-end bar and restaurant. Inside Out Contract’s are well-known for always going above and beyond the brief, by shaping the space in a way that forges the experience and leaves long-lasting memories.
From the moment a guest walks through the door, the furniture helps establish the tone and atmosphere of the space. It defines how people gather, connect, and unwind. Each piece contributes to the overall energy and comfort of the venue, ensuring that performance and atmosphere work hand in hand.
The result is furniture that doesn’t just fill a space, it defines it, transforming the guest experience and leaving a lasting impression.
From Birmingham to Philadelphia
The F1 Arcade story began in Birmingham and required creative thinking around layout and multifunctional furniture. Then came London, the flagship venue beside St Paul’s Cathedral: elegant, sculptural, and designed to impress.
Those successes paved the way for the brand’s international expansion to Washington D.C., Boston, and now Philadelphia. All projects that Inside Out helped bring to life.
Designing furniture for a US audience meant re-evaluating comfort, scale, and behaviour as “US guests tend to spend more time at the venue, treating it as a full evening’s entertainment. As such, comfort was prioritised even more heavily,” the Creative Team explains. “We refined the upholstery, increased depth, and softened finishes to enhance comfort without losing the energy of the brand.”
Collaboration and Creativity
Every F1 Arcade site has been a genuine collaboration between Inside Out Contracts and the designers behind the overall interior concept. The process is both hands-on and creative; a dialogue between design intent and practical delivery.
“It’s very collaborative. We will bounce ideas off each other and meet regularly to run through every detail,” explains one of Inside Out’s Senior Account managers.
The result is furniture that not only looks beautiful, but performs well under pressure, supporting both the creative vision and the operational realities of a busy hospitality venue.
Looking Ahead
Inside Out’s King’s Award for International Growth is both recognition and motivation.
“It proves that great British design is needed internationally,” says Managing Director & Founder Lisa Cluer. “We are delighted to see brands like F1 Arcade continuing to grow internationally and to be part of that journey as trusted partners in furniture design..”
From Birmingham to Philadelphia, Inside Out Contracts continues to show how British creativity, built on craftsmanship and collaboration, can thrive on a global stage when in capable hands.