Costa Coffee pilot store in Wandsworth

Costa Coffee has opened a pilot store in Wandsworth with a new-look counter and back bar menu system, showcasing an extended coffee offering. Designed in collaboration with EDGE and Our Design Agency, Costa Coffee House will trial an extended evening offering, including a small selection of alcoholic drinks to complement its food and drink range.

'Our aim has been to deliver a warm and welcoming store environment, in keeping with the feel Costa is known and loved for, whilst evolving the interior to suit the needs of the metropolitan customer,' says Michael Fern, Director at EDGE. 'The scheme includes new feature lighting, solo tables and cocktail chairs in a simplified palette of materials and finishes with highlights of polished brass and gold, complementing the signature Costa red which is a key feature throughout.'

The layout of the store allows space to create two distinct moods. The bar area focuses on immersing the customer in the art of coffee, with visibility to the barista, while a more relaxed lounge area offers comfortable seating.

'The detail and handcrafted approach to the store design reflects Costa's heritage at every touchpoint,' adds Grant Willis, director at Our Design Agency. 'From our five hand-drawn quality hallmarks, to the humanised, modern style of photography featuring "real" Costa people, including baristas and the roastery team. We are particularly proud of the wall art where we’ve showcased the previously untold stories of Costa’s early years, with the brand’s trademark personality brought to life in bespoke illustrations. The signature piece is a one-off graffiti installation that pays homage to the origins of the Mocha Italia blend, in a beautifully modern way.'