The Brewhouse, Kenwood House
Refurbishment Design
Complete Re-Plan
Historic Fabric Preservation
Project Management
Furniture and Fixtures
Team
Designs Unlimited
Kenwood House
The Brewhouse for English Heritage, a prestigious project undertaken by Designs Unlimited, aimed to transition Kenwood's catering from a concession-based operation to an in-house managed service. Tasked as Designers and Project Management Consultants, the goal was to create a destination catering offer that could stand on its own while enhancing the visitor experience at the Brew House Café, the Stewards Room, the Old Kitchen, and associated restrooms.
Challenge
The primary challenge was to design a catering service that not only increased covers but also revitalised secondary and tertiary outlets, all within the constraints of a historically significant space. This required a careful review of customer flow, optimisation of service efficiency, and a design that resonated with both Kenwood's identity and its target audience. The project demanded a delicate balance between modern functionality and historical integrity. This meant working closely with English Heritage curators and conservators to ensure the preservation and restoration of the historic fabric
Solution
Designs Unlimited rose to the challenge by creating an interior design that mirrored the elegance and heritage of Kenwood House, while introducing a fully functioning modern catering facility. The team’s efforts included the successful refurbishment of the Stewards’ Room ‘take out’ facility, a refresh of all public and event restrooms to align with the high-quality standards of the service wing, and the transformation of the Old Kitchen into a versatile space suitable for both daily trading and event/wedding uses. As the Lead Consultant, Designs Unlimited oversaw the entire design and implementation process, ensuring adherence to project management principles and documentation.
Outcome
The Brewhouse project not only enhanced the catering performance through an increase in covers but also significantly improved the visitor experience at Kenwood House. The project was recognised for its excellence, being shortlisted for the British Institute of Interior Design Best Interior of 2022. This accolade underscores the project's success in marrying functional modernity with historical respect and aesthetic harmony.
