December food news: editor's picks

P & T, Berlin

Canadian national Jens de Gruyter, a creative working in the photographic industry, has set out to convert the European continent to specialty teas. His newly opened P & T store in Berlin is nothing like a conventional tea shop; standing for Paper & Tea, it actually combines refined brews with notebooks and wrapping paper and the Fabian von Ferrari designed space encourages the customer to freely navigate and discover the teas, brewing tools and stationary in one fell swoop. An adjacent tasting room regularly hosts seminars and tastings, and P & T's mobile tea bar tours the German capital's public events and trade fairs.

Bleibtreustrasse 4, Berlin; Tel: 49.30 95 61 54 68; paperandtea.com

Writer: Micha van Dinther
Photography: Ludger Paffrath

P & T, Berlin

Canadian national Jens de Gruyter, a creative working in the photographic industry, has set out to convert the European continent to specialty teas. His newly opened P & T store in Berlin is nothing like a conventional tea shop; standing for Paper & Tea, it actually combines refined brews with notebooks and wrapping paper and the Fabian von Ferrari designed space encourages the customer to freely navigate and discover the teas, brewing tools and stationary in one fell swoop. An adjacent tasting room regularly hosts seminars and tastings, and P & T's mobile tea bar tours the German capital's public events and trade fairs.

Bleibtreustrasse 4, Berlin; Tel: 49.30 95 61 54 68; paperandtea.com

Writer: Micha van Dinther
Photography: Ludger Paffrath

P & T, Berlin

Canadian national Jens de Gruyter, a creative working in the photographic industry, has set out to convert the European continent to specialty teas. His newly opened P & T store in Berlin is nothing like a conventional tea shop; standing for Paper & Tea, it actually combines refined brews with notebooks and wrapping paper and the Fabian von Ferrari designed space encourages the customer to freely navigate and discover the teas, brewing tools and stationary in one fell swoop. An adjacent tasting room regularly hosts seminars and tastings, and P & T's mobile tea bar tours the German capital's public events and trade fairs.

Bleibtreustrasse 4, Berlin; Tel: 49.30 95 61 54 68; paperandtea.com

Writer: Micha van Dinther
Photography: Ludger Paffrath

P & T, Berlin

Canadian national Jens de Gruyter, a creative working in the photographic industry, has set out to convert the European continent to specialty teas. His newly opened P & T store in Berlin is nothing like a conventional tea shop; standing for Paper & Tea, it actually combines refined brews with notebooks and wrapping paper and the Fabian von Ferrari designed space encourages the customer to freely navigate and discover the teas, brewing tools and stationary in one fell swoop. An adjacent tasting room regularly hosts seminars and tastings, and P & T's mobile tea bar tours the German capital's public events and trade fairs.

Bleibtreustrasse 4, Berlin; Tel: 49.30 95 61 54 68; paperandtea.com

Writer: Micha van Dinther
Photography: Ludger Paffrath

P & T, Berlin

Canadian national Jens de Gruyter, a creative working in the photographic industry, has set out to convert the European continent to specialty teas. His newly opened P & T store in Berlin is nothing like a conventional tea shop; standing for Paper & Tea, it actually combines refined brews with notebooks and wrapping paper and the Fabian von Ferrari designed space encourages the customer to freely navigate and discover the teas, brewing tools and stationary in one fell swoop. An adjacent tasting room regularly hosts seminars and tastings, and P & T's mobile tea bar tours the German capital's public events and trade fairs.

Bleibtreustrasse 4, Berlin; Tel: 49.30 95 61 54 68; paperandtea.com

Writer: Micha van Dinther
Photography: Ludger Paffrath

Health drinks by Urban Remedy

A new range of rainbow coloured health drinks, created by Urban Remedy, have hit the American market - just in time for a January detox. Created by Neka Pasquale, the elixirs are packed full of vitamins, nutrients and minerals, and are available as juices or meal replacements. We recommend the Pineapple Coconut meal.  

Day course, $59.99, www.urbanremedy.com

Writer: Romy van den Broeke

Health drinks by Urban Remedy

A new range of rainbow coloured health drinks, created by Urban Remedy, have hit the American market - just in time for a January detox. Created by Neka Pasquale, the elixirs are packed full of vitamins, nutrients and minerals, and are available as juices or meal replacements. We recommend the Pineapple Coconut meal.  

Day course, $59.99, www.urbanremedy.com

Writer: Romy van den Broeke

Tuamotu Cooking Hob by Anderssen & Voll

This Tuamotu Cooking Hob made its debut at the DesignTide Tokyo 2012 as part of Food Work, a Norwegian design project. Taking inspiration from Japanese culture, as was required for all Food Work entries, the piece has been carved from marble, which adds a sculptural element to this functional design; beauty meets simplicity in a quintessentially Japanese way. The designers are Oslo-based Anderssen & Voll, whose past triumphs include the revolutionary Mono sofa. For the exhibition, the cooking hob was teamed with a canary yellow Good Morning Moka pot - a charming compact coffee pot, also by Anderssen & Voll.  

www.anderssen-voll.com

Writer: Romy van den Broeke

Tuamotu Cooking Hob

This Tuamotu Cooking Hob made its debut at the DesignTide Tokyo 2012 as part of Food Work, a Norwegian design project. Taking inspiration from Japanese culture, as was required for all Food Work entries, the piece has been carved from marble, adding a sculptural element to this functional design; beauty meets simplicity in a quintessentially Japanese way. The designers are Oslo-based Anderssen & Voll, whose past triumphs include the revolutionary Mono sofa, which, despite its deceivingly thin frame, provides extraordinary comfort.  For the exhibition, the cooking hob was teamed with a canary yellow Good Morning Moka pot - a charming compact coffee pot, also by Anderssen & Voll.  

www.anderssen-voll.com

Writer: Romy van den Broeke

Bolshaya Pol'za flour

The India Trading Company appointed Russian design agency, Fresh Chicken, to design the packaging for their new food brand, Bolshaya Pol'za. The colourful sacks encase four different types of flour - buckwheat, corn, rice and pea - which are identified by the block colours of the package. The design was inspired by info-graphics, with each bag displaying ideas and information in a smart fashion. Quirky details include a gram measurer on the side, and quantity comparisons - for example, one bag of pea flour can make 20 crumpets, 5 servings of noodles, 20 falafel balls and 10 pancakes.

Bag of flour, €9, www.frch.ru

Writer: Romy van den Broeke

Bolshaya Pol'za flour

The India Trading Company appointed Russian design agency, Fresh Chicken, to design the packaging for their new food brand, Bolshaya Pol'za. The colourful sacks encase four different types of flour - buckwheat, corn, rice and pea - which are identified by the block colours of the package. The design was inspired by info-graphics, with each bag displaying ideas and information in a smart fashion. Quirky details include a gram measurer on the side, and quantity comparisons - for example, one bag of pea flour can make 20 crumpets, 5 servings of noodles, 20 falafel balls and 10 pancakes.

Bag of flour, €9, www.frch.ru

Writer: Romy van den Broeke

Glass bottles by Claesson Koivisto Rune and Italesse
 
Biennale packaging exhibition, Emballage, saw leading glassware makers, Italesse, showcase three new bottles in Paris last month. The decanters are made from VG Velvet Glass and were formed using a specialist manufacturing technique (commonly used for perfume bottles) to achieve the highest quality white glass. 'Fasad' (pictured) was conceived by esteemed architects Claesson Koivisto Rune (CKR) and is most unusual with its long neck and concave detail, while 'Lisa' and 'Tower' were designed in-house by Italesse. All three are part of a wider collection of luxury design bottles by the Italian design company, with work from Luca Nichetto, Luca Trazzi and Archikò in the mix. The bottles are only available within the professional market, but make a beautiful addition to our monthly food edit.

www.italesse.it
 
Writer: Romy van den Broeke

Glass bottles by Claesson Koivisto Rune and Italesse
 
Biennale packaging exhibition, Emballage, saw leading glassware makers, Italesse, showcase three new bottles in Paris last month. The decanters are made from VG Velvet Glass and were formed using a specialist manufacturing technique (commonly used for perfume bottles) to achieve the highest quality white glass. 'Fasad' was conceived by esteemed architects Claesson Koivisto Rune (CKR) and is most unusual with its long neck and concave detail, while 'Lisa' and 'Tower' were designed in-house by Italesse. All three are part of a wider collection of luxury design bottles by the Italian design company, with work from Luca Nichetto, Luca Trazzi and Archikò in the mix. The bottles are only available within the professional market, but make a beautiful addition to our monthly food edit.

www.italesse.it
 
Writer: Romy van den Broeke

Cooking classes by Le Petit Labo, Paris

Le Petit Labo, is the new culinary atelier from Parisian chef, Anne Coquet. Since opening in September 2012, Le Petit Labo has grown exponentially, with Coquet's culinary design workshops travelling the breadth of France and more recently crossing the border into Belgium. Full of creative flair and with 10 years experience working in Parisian restaurants (some starred), Coquet offers classes to teach people how to be creative in the kitchen - from honing your palate to learning the art of food design. Coquet's most recent workshop, in conjunction with food designer Delphine Huguet, Jelly Trichome, was aimed to educate students in detecting the subtlest of tastes, and create successful flavour combinations. Cordon Bleu it isn't, but rather a thoroughly modern approach to gastronomy. 

Le Petit Labo, 23 rue du Terrage, 75010, Paris; www.lepetitlabo.net; tel: 33.660044883

Writer: Romy van den Broeke

Cooking classes by Le Petit Labo, Paris

Le Petit Labo, is the new culinary atelier from Parisian chef, Anne Coquet. Since opening in September 2012, Le Petit Labo has grown exponentially, with Coquet's culinary design workshops travelling the breadth of France and more recently crossing the border into Belgium. Full of creative flair and with 10 years experience working in Parisian restaurants (some starred), Coquet offers classes to teach people how to be creative in the kitchen - from honing your palate to learning the art of food design. Coquet's most recent workshop, in conjunction with food designer Delphine Huguet, Jelly Trichome, was aimed to educate students in detecting the subtlest of tastes, and create successful flavour combinations. Cordon Bleu it isn't, but rather a thoroughly modern approach to gastronomy. 

Le Petit Labo, 23 rue du Terrage, 75010, Paris; www.lepetitlabo.net; tel: 33.660044883

Writer: Romy van den Broeke

Cooking classes by Le Petit Labo, Paris

Le Petit Labo, is the new culinary atelier from Parisian chef, Anne Coquet. Since opening in September 2012, Le Petit Labo has grown exponentially, with Coquet's culinary design workshops travelling the breadth of France and more recently crossing the border into Belgium. Full of creative flair and with 10 years experience working in Parisian restaurants (some starred), Coquet offers classes to teach people how to be creative in the kitchen - from honing your palate to learning the art of food design. Coquet's most recent workshop, in conjunction with food designer Delphine Huguet, Jelly Trichome, was aimed to educate students in detecting the subtlest of tastes, and create successful flavour combinations. Cordon Bleu it isn't, but rather a thoroughly modern approach to gastronomy. 

Le Petit Labo, 23 rue du Terrage, 75010, Paris; www.lepetitlabo.net; tel: 33.660044883

Writer: Romy van den Broeke

Mantry hamper service, US

The modern man's pantry, or as it is officially branded, Mantry, is America's newest men-only (but not really) hamper service. Running it from Toronto and New York, founders Reggie Milligan and Kyle Zien offer a bespoke service providing stylish men with painstakingly sourced food and drink products (think Norwegian Reindeer Jerky and Oaxaca Hot Chocolat) from every corner of the globe, boxed in reclaimed liquor crates sporting the Mantry stamp of distinction. The products are themed each month; December's offerings are largely foraged, wild and handmade, and include Alder Smoked Sea Salt, produced entirely by hand. It's no wonder that, six months in, they're already sending them out to over 5,000 members.  

www.mantry.com

Writer: Romy van den Broeke

Mantry hamper service, US

The modern man's pantry, or as it is officially branded, Mantry, is America's newest men-only (but not really) hamper service. Running it from Toronto and New York, founders Reggie Milligan and Kyle Zien offer a bespoke service providing stylish men with painstakingly sourced food and drink products (think Norwegian Reindeer Jerky and Oaxaca Hot Chocolat) from every corner of the globe, boxed in reclaimed liquor crates sporting the Mantry stamp of distinction. The products are themed each month; December's offerings are largely foraged, wild and handmade, and include Alder Smoked Sea Salt, produced entirely by hand. It's no wonder that, six months in, they're already sending them out to over 5,000 members.  

www.mantry.com

Writer: Romy van den Broeke

Peninsula Hong Kong Boutique by Yabu Pushelberg

Putting other hotel boutiques to shame is Peninsula Hong Kong's newly unveiled Yabu Pushelberg-designed chocolate haven. The HK$12m revamp transforms the 1,995 sqft interior, blending sharp minimalism and classical European style amid tonal shades of silver and white. Suspended leather trunks and marble alter tables inject a dramatic edge, as does a slim horizontal viewing slot in a sculptured silver leaf-clad wall through which guests observe master chocolatier Marijn Coertjens at work. Chocolates and fine teas packaged in the brand's new signature designs (by Amsterdam-based UXUS) are presented in an intriguing puzzle of illuminated glass light boxes against Statuario marble. We particularly like the customized steel sliding gates, a modern nod to Chinoiserie. The mouth-watering artisanal chocolates don't disappoint either.

Salisbury Road, Hong Kong; www.peninsula.com; tel: 852.2920 2888

Writer:  Catherine Shaw

Peninsula Hong Kong Boutique by Yabu Pushelberg

Putting other hotel boutiques to shame is Peninsula Hong Kong's newly unveiled Yabu Pushelberg-designed chocolate haven. The HK$12m revamp transforms the 1,995 sqft interior, blending sharp minimalism and classical European style amid tonal shades of silver and white. Suspended leather trunks and marble alter tables inject a dramatic edge, as does a slim horizontal viewing slot in a sculptured silver leaf-clad wall through which guests observe master chocolatier Marijn Coertjens at work. Chocolates and fine teas packaged in the brand's new signature designs (by Amsterdam-based UXUS) are presented in an intriguing puzzle of illuminated glass light boxes against Statuario marble. We particularly like the customized steel sliding gates, a modern nod to Chinoiserie. The mouth-watering artisanal chocolates don't disappoint either.

Salisbury Road, Hong Kong; www.peninsula.com; tel: 852.2920 2888

Writer:  Catherine Shaw

Peninsula Hong Kong Boutique by Yabu Pushelberg

Putting other hotel boutiques to shame is Peninsula Hong Kong's newly unveiled Yabu Pushelberg-designed chocolate haven. The HK$12m revamp transforms the 1,995 sqft interior, blending sharp minimalism and classical European style amid tonal shades of silver and white. Suspended leather trunks and marble alter tables inject a dramatic edge, as does a slim horizontal viewing slot in a sculptured silver leaf-clad wall through which guests observe master chocolatier Marijn Coertjens at work. Chocolates and fine teas packaged in the brand's new signature designs (by Amsterdam-based UXUS) are presented in an intriguing puzzle of illuminated glass light boxes against Statuario marble. We particularly like the customized steel sliding gates, a modern nod to Chinoiserie. The mouth-watering artisanal chocolates don't disappoint either.

Salisbury Road, Hong Kong; www.peninsula.com; tel: 852.2920 2888

Writer:  Catherine Shaw

Peninsula Hong Kong Boutique by Yabu Pushelberg

Putting other hotel boutiques to shame is Peninsula Hong Kong's newly unveiled Yabu Pushelberg-designed chocolate haven. The HK$12m revamp transforms the 1,995 sqft interior, blending sharp minimalism and classical European style amid tonal shades of silver and white. Suspended leather trunks and marble alter tables inject a dramatic edge, as does a slim horizontal viewing slot in a sculptured silver leaf-clad wall through which guests observe master chocolatier Marijn Coertjens at work. Chocolates and fine teas packaged in the brand's new signature designs (by Amsterdam-based UXUS) are presented in an intriguing puzzle of illuminated glass light boxes against Statuario marble. We particularly like the customized steel sliding gates, a modern nod to Chinoiserie. The mouth-watering artisanal chocolates don't disappoint either.

Salisbury Road, Hong Kong; www.peninsula.com; tel: 852.2920 2888

Writer:  Catherine Shaw

Peninsula Hong Kong Boutique by Yabu Pushelberg

Putting other hotel boutiques to shame is Peninsula Hong Kong's newly unveiled Yabu Pushelberg-designed chocolate haven. The HK$12m revamp transforms the 1,995 sqft interior, blending sharp minimalism and classical European style amid tonal shades of silver and white. Suspended leather trunks and marble alter tables inject a dramatic edge, as does a slim horizontal viewing slot in a sculptured silver leaf-clad wall through which guests observe master chocolatier Marijn Coertjens at work. Chocolates and fine teas packaged in the brand's new signature designs (by Amsterdam-based UXUS) are presented in an intriguing puzzle of illuminated glass light boxes against Statuario marble. We particularly like the customized steel sliding gates, a modern nod to Chinoiserie. The mouth-watering artisanal chocolates don't disappoint either.

Salisbury Road  Hong Kong; www.peninsula.com; tel: 852.2920 2888

Writer:  Catherine Shaw

'You Are What You Eat' food game

Self-proclaimed 'eat designer' and Netherlands native, Marije Vogelzang, has released a new food game, 'You Are What You Eat.' Her interest in food goes beyond aesthetics - she examines the journey food takes before, during and after we eat it. Her evolving curiosity has seen her document 10 years of research and development, with the help of public involvement, to form her first book, 'Eat Love', which explores our complex biological and psychological relationships with food. The memory game is her latest venture and asks those taking part to identify foods and the effect they have on our bodies. It won't take a genius to win the game, but the cards are humorously illustrated reminding us that butter is fattening, lemons are bitter and beans induce flatulence. Go figure.

You Are What You Eat, €15, www.marijevogelzang.nl

Writer: Romy van den Broeke

'You Are What You Eat' food game

Self-proclaimed 'eat designer' and Netherlands native, Marije Vogelzang, has released a new food game, 'You Are What You Eat.' Her interest in food goes beyond aesthetics - she examines the journey food takes before, during and after we eat it. Her evolving curiosity has seen her document 10 years of research and development, with the help of public involvement, to form her first book, 'Eat Love', which explores our complex biological and psychological relationships with food. The memory game is her latest venture and asks those taking part to identify foods and the effect they have on our bodies. It won't take a genius to win the game, but the cards are humorously illustrated reminding us that butter is fattening, lemons are bitter and beans induce flatulence. Go figure.

You Are What You Eat, €15, www.marijevogelzang.nl

Writer: Romy van den Broeke

'You Are What You Eat' food game

Self-proclaimed 'eat designer' and Netherlands native, Marije Vogelzang, has released a new food game, 'You Are What You Eat.' Her interest in food goes beyond aesthetics - she examines the journey food takes before, during and after we eat it. Her evolving curiosity has seen her document 10 years of research and development, with the help of public involvement, to form her first book, 'Eat Love', which explores our complex biological and psychological relationships with food. The memory game is her latest venture and asks those taking part to identify foods and the effect they have on our bodies. It won't take a genius to win the game, but the cards are humorously illustrated reminding us that butter is fattening, lemons are bitter and beans induce flatulence. Go figure.

You Are What You Eat, €15, www.marijevogelzang.nl

Writer: Romy van den Broeke

'You Are What You Eat' food game

Self-proclaimed 'eat designer' and Netherlands native, Marije Vogelzang, has released a new food game, 'You Are What You Eat.' Her interest in food goes beyond aesthetics - she examines the journey food takes before, during and after we eat it. Her evolving curiosity has seen her document 10 years of research and development, with the help of public involvement, to form her first book, 'Eat Love', which explores our complex biological and psychological relationships with food. The memory game is her latest venture and asks those taking part to identify foods and the effect they have on our bodies. It won't take a genius to win the game, but the cards are humorously illustrated reminding us that butter is fattening, lemons are bitter and beans induce flatulence. Go figure.

You Are What You Eat, €15, www.marijevogelzang.nl

Writer: Romy van den Broeke

'You Are What You Eat' food game

Self-proclaimed 'eat designer' and Netherlands native, Marije Vogelzang, has released a new food game, 'You Are What You Eat.' Her interest in food goes beyond aesthetics - she examines the journey food takes before, during and after we eat it. Her evolving curiosity has seen her document 10 years of research and development, with the help of public involvement, to form her first book, 'Eat Love', which explores our complex biological and psychological relationships with food. The memory game is her latest venture and asks those taking part to identify foods and the effect they have on our bodies. It won't take a genius to win the game, but the cards are humorously illustrated reminding us that butter is fattening, lemons are bitter and beans induce flatulence. Go figure.

You Are What You Eat, €15, www.marijevogelzang.nl

Writer: Romy van den Broeke

'You Are What You Eat' food game

Self-proclaimed 'eat designer' and Netherlands native, Marije Vogelzang, has released a new food game, 'You Are What You Eat.' Her interest in food goes beyond aesthetics - she examines the journey food takes before, during and after we eat it. Her evolving curiosity has seen her document 10 years of research and development, with the help of public involvement, to form her first book, 'Eat Love', which explores our complex biological and psychological relationships with food. The memory game is her latest venture and asks those taking part to identify foods and the effect they have on our bodies. It won't take a genius to win the game, but the cards are humorously illustrated reminding us that butter is fattening, lemons are bitter and beans induce flatulence. Go figure.

You Are What You Eat, €15, www.marijevogelzang.nl

Writer: Romy van den Broeke

'You Are What You Eat' food game

Self-proclaimed 'eat designer' and Netherlands native, Marije Vogelzang, has released a new food game, 'You Are What You Eat.' Her interest in food goes beyond aesthetics - she examines the journey food takes before, during and after we eat it. Her evolving curiosity has seen her document 10 years of research and development, with the help of public involvement, to form her first book, 'Eat Love', which explores our complex biological and psychological relationships with food. The memory game is her latest venture and asks those taking part to identify foods and the effect they have on our bodies. It won't take a genius to win the game, but the cards are humorously illustrated reminding us that butter is fattening, lemons are bitter and beans induce flatulence. Go figure.

You Are What You Eat, €15, www.marijevogelzang.nl

Writer: Romy van den Broeke

The Whisky Store flagship, London

Fast expanding UK whisky retail specialists The Whisky Shop have opened their 21st store in central London. The all-singing new flagship store, sited opposite the Ritz on Piccadilly, was designed by Stuart Naysmith of local design consultancy Gpstudio. Though Mayfair is familiar stamping ground for the studio, it is more accustomed to moulding retail interiors to display luxury handbags and shoes (previous clients include Harrods, Mulberry and Aspinal of London) and the timber, copper and glass-clad space makes for a unique environment in which to sell fine single malts and high end blends.

Divided into three 'rooms' the first displays some of its key brands (Wyte & MacKay, Chivas, Royal Salute, The Glenlivet, The Dalmore) in much the same way fine perfume is presented in a beauty hall. The second plays the inevitable 'educatory role' through screens, which enlighten you on the making processes, ageing, flavour creation, and so on. And the third is a whisky Library, complete with piano, there for the playing. This is the place to linger, browse and sample, all while being surveyed by a hovering wing-shaped light sculpture above, representing the famous angel's share.
 
70 Piccadilly, London, W1J 8HP; www.whiskyshop.com

Writer: Emma Moore

The Whisky Store flagship, London

Fast expanding UK whisky retail specialists The Whisky Shop have opened their 21st store in central London. The all-singing new flagship store, sited opposite the Ritz on Piccadilly, was designed by Stuart Naysmith of local design consultancy Gpstudio. Though Mayfair is familiar stamping ground for the studio, it is more accustomed to moulding retail interiors to display luxury handbags and shoes (previous clients include Harrods, Mulberry and Aspinal of London) and the timber, copper and glass-clad space makes for a unique environment in which to sell fine single malts and high end blends.

Divided into three 'rooms' the first displays some of its key brands (Wyte & MacKay, Chivas, Royal Salute, The Glenlivet, The Dalmore) in much the same way fine perfume is presented in a beauty hall. The second plays the inevitable 'educatory role' through screens, which enlighten you on the making processes, ageing, flavour creation, and so on. And the third is a whisky Library, complete with piano, there for the playing. This is the place to linger, browse and sample, all while being surveyed by a hovering wing-shaped light sculpture above, representing the famous angel's share.
 
70 Piccadilly, London, W1J 8HP; www.whiskyshop.com

Writer: Emma Moore

The Whisky Store flagship, London

Fast expanding UK whisky retail specialists The Whisky Shop have opened their 21st store in central London. The all-singing new flagship store, sited opposite the Ritz on Piccadilly, was designed by Stuart Naysmith of local design consultancy Gpstudio. Though Mayfair is familiar stamping ground for the studio, it is more accustomed to moulding retail interiors to display luxury handbags and shoes (previous clients include Harrods, Mulberry and Aspinal of London) and the timber, copper and glass-clad space makes for a unique environment in which to sell fine single malts and high end blends.

Divided into three 'rooms' the first displays some of its key brands (Wyte & MacKay, Chivas, Royal Salute, The Glenlivet, The Dalmore) in much the same way fine perfume is presented in a beauty hall. The second plays the inevitable 'educatory role' through screens, which enlighten you on the making processes, ageing, flavour creation, and so on. And the third is a whisky Library, complete with piano, there for the playing. This is the place to linger, browse and sample, all while being surveyed by a hovering wing-shaped light sculpture above, representing the famous angel's share.
 
70 Piccadilly, London, W1J 8HP; www.whiskyshop.com

Writer: Emma Moore

The Whisky Store flagship, London

Fast expanding UK whisky retail specialists The Whisky Shop have opened their 21st store in central London. The all-singing new flagship store, sited opposite the Ritz on Piccadilly, was designed by Stuart Naysmith of local design consultancy Gpstudio. Though Mayfair is familiar stamping ground for the studio, it is more accustomed to moulding retail interiors to display luxury handbags and shoes (previous clients include Harrods, Mulberry and Aspinal of London) and the timber, copper and glass-clad space makes for a unique environment in which to sell fine single malts and high end blends.

Divided into three 'rooms' the first displays some of its key brands (Wyte & MacKay, Chivas, Royal Salute, The Glenlivet, The Dalmore) in much the same way fine perfume is presented in a beauty hall. The second plays the inevitable 'educatory role' through screens, which enlighten you on the making processes, ageing, flavour creation, and so on. And the third is a whisky Library, complete with piano, there for the playing. This is the place to linger, browse and sample, all while being surveyed by a hovering wing-shaped light sculpture above, representing the famous angel's share.
 
70 Piccadilly, London, W1J 8HP; www.whiskyshop.com

Writer: Emma Moore