Fortnum & Mason
London
Franklin
Narrow Herringbone
Explore this floor
Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason pairs considered design with a floor selected for lasting character. CADA Design specified a bespoke Franklin Herringbone floor from Woodworks, our sister brand, for a future-focused food and drink destination at 181 Piccadilly. When CADA approached its dedicated Ted Todd specification consultant, the requirement for reclaimed timber and a fully bespoke floor directed the project to Woodworks, our sister brand specialising in extraordinary British floorcraft. The Woodworks team crafted bespoke sample panels in its Cheshire workshops around CADA’s material and design requirements, which were reviewed by both the studio and Fortnum & Mason.
- Project type
- Retail
- Location
- London
- Featured product
- Franklin
Project Overview
Founded in 1707, Fortnum & Mason have been an integral part of the Great British high street for over 300 years. Earlier this year they embarked on a ground-breaking project to revolutionise the 3rd floor of their historic London flagship store, 181 Piccadilly, creating an experiential hub dedicated to extraordinary food and drink.
Fortnum & Mason’s enduring commitment to quality, its status as a symbol of British luxury, and its longstanding association with the British royal family have solidified its place as an iconic and respected institution in the world of high-end retail.
Project Requirements
When the Fortnum & Mason store decided to relaunch their 3rd floor, they enlisted the help of long-term partner CADA Design – who specialise in brand strategy and interior design.
Ellie Koumparos of CADA Design said, “Our goal for the third floor was to create a future first experience; a flexible, multi-use space in the heart of the store that could combine learning and events, experimental retail concepts and amazing food, all broadcast to the outside world. We wanted to create a juxtaposition between the heritage surroundings and future focused, ecological materials; a striking contrast to highlight the continual progress of ethical design”.
How did we help
When CADA approached its dedicated Ted Todd specification consultant, the requirement for reclaimed timber and a fully bespoke floor directed the project to Woodworks by Ted Todd, our sister brand specialising in extraordinary British floorcraft. Woodworks restores antique and reclaimed timber and makes bespoke modern and historic floors in its Cheshire workshops. The Woodworks team developed handmade sample panels around CADA’s material and design requirements, which were reviewed by both the studio and Fortnum & Mason.
Why the floor was chosen
Ellie explained that “sustainability was at the forefront of the design, and reclaimed materials and reuse can be seen throughout. We wanted to bring in the richness of a timber floor, but knew from day one that it needed to be reclaimed timber”. As such, a bespoke version of Franklin Narrow Herringbone from Woodworks’ Antique collection was specified.
This floor exudes character, showcasing its time-worn undulations that are meticulously brought to life by a team of skilled Woodworks craftspeople during the antique restoration process.
Featuring a 20mm thick engineered construction, it seamlessly blends the rich heritage of century-old wood with the growing demands of contemporary living. With its robust 6mm wear layer, Franklin excels in high-traffic areas, ensuring lasting performance. An exclusive Naked Skin Lacquer finish preserves the wood’s original patina and is effortlessly maintained with our Floor Care System 1.
Outcome
Retail experience, personalisation and sustainability are at the heart of this design. Customers are invited to collaborate with guests from every corner of the culinary world in purpose-built Food and Drink Studio. There is also an on-site distillery, and a new Cook Shop which is supported by a dedicated library and bookshop to meet the needs of the most passionate cooks and aspiring chefs. The space also hosts a dedicated area for Fortnum’s iconic Hamper range.
Fortnum & Mason CEO, Tom Athron says: “Set in the heart of 181 Piccadilly, the new 3rd floor is an experiential space designed for sharing our knowledge of and love for food. It’s a space where all are welcome, to experiment and learn, craft and produce; where beginners are encouraged to participate in the joys of food and drink and where playing with food is absolutely encouraged.
With the launch of our new Food & Drink Studio and all that comes with it, we are looking forward to a new era of retail with sustainability, innovation and customer experience at its very core.”
Every year, millions of people from around the world visit the Piccadilly flagship to enjoy Fortnum’s famous Afternoon Tea and shop its extraordinary food, gift and fragrance and hamper halls. It is an honour that a Woodworks handmade floor now forms part of that experience.
Architect/Designer: CADA Design
Image credit: Andrew Meredith Photography
Franklin up close
Made from reclaimed antique French oak, Franklin preserves the original patina and undulations developed over generations of use. Its 20mm engineered construction and 6mm wear layer support sustained footfall across Fortnum & Mason’s busy third floor.
