Jonathan Clark creates Tinderbox coffee shop

Jonathan Clark Architects has created London’s second Tinderbox espresso bar in the City area.

The consultancy says that the store, at about 2600m2, will probably be the capital’s largest coffee shop.

Jonathan Clark has been working on the store’s entire fit out since the summer. It won the project to create the Islington branch in February 2009, having been recommended by another client.

Consultancy founder Jonathan Clark says, ‘[The client] gave us pretty much a free hand. The other Tinderbox was a very constrained site, so we took ideas we explored with the old one and they fitted this space like a glove.’

Clark says a large part of the brief was to incorporate many different seating spaces. The consultancy created a mezzanine seating level, booths, cubicles, a stepped seating area, refectory style benches and also used ‘a couple of old business-class airline seats’.

Clark says the main structure and step area are clad with American black walnut panels, and the consultancy also used stained pine, polished concrete floors and orange and lime green Formica and paint finishes.

Clark adds, ‘[Tinderbox] “gets” the design – it was a very easy process because we speak the same language. It’s nice to be able to collaborate.’

The store opens today.

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