Martin Brudniski gives Harrods wine cellar a make-over

Inside the newly re-designed Wine Rooms at Harrods by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio — Harrods Fine Wines and Spirit Rooms receive a conceptual and visual make-over from Martin Brudnizki Design Studio

(Image credit: TBC)

Harrods is going through quite the taste transformation. In November 2017, it underwent stage one of its self-proclaimed ‘revolution’, in which the dry goods section received a fresh lick of art deco-inspired paint courtesy of David Collins Studio. Now, its the turn of the wine rooms. Martin Brudnizki Design Studio – also behind the new Annabels – has transformed the industry-leading cellars, both conceptually and visually, (though Harrods-typical opulence remains perfectly in tact).

‘The new rooms will break down barriers and change perceptions on the world of wines and spirits by focusing more on the flavour profile of the product, rather than the specific categories and brands,’ explains Alex Dower, director of Harrods food and restaurants. ‘These rooms set Harrods apart from every other retailer in the world.’

Detail view of the Harrods Wine and Whiskey rooms — *Detail view of the Aroma Table, at Harrods Fine Wines and Spirits rooms*

Throughout, the design sings of 1920s golden days, with a marble patterned floor and limed-oak timber wall paneling. But its in the immersivity – contemporary retail design buzzword du jour – where the space comes alive. Take the so-called ‘Aroma Table’, for example, where we are encouraged to fully immerse ourselves our senses at the newly interactive mis-en-scene of scents, guiding us through the flavours of each grape.

Likewise, the bespoke Education Room – a Harrods first – features bottle personalisation with an in-house engraving machine, personal consultations and one-off cellar plans for patrons looking to build their collections at home. Innovatively, it also offers live streaming to vineyards worldwide, allowing customers to see where the wine is crafted; an experience otherwise not available to the general public. No doubt, the world’s most storied department store is still guided by its founding principle: ‘anything is possible’. We’ll drink to that.

Cabinets displaying a wide collection of wines at the newly refurbished Harrods Wine Rooms — The design sings of 1920s golden days, with a marble patterned floor and limed-oak timber wall paneling

The Aroma Table at Harrods Wine Rooms, patterned marble flooring and some of the available wines at the Wine Rooms at Harrods — A bespoke Education Room features bottle personalisation, consultations and one-off cellar plans for patrons looking to build their collection

INFORMATION

For more information, visit the Harrods website

ADDRESS

87-135 Brompton Road
Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL

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Elly Parsons is the Digital Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees Wallpaper.com and its social platforms. She has been with the brand since 2015 in various roles, spending time as digital writer – specialising in art, technology and contemporary culture – and as deputy digital editor. She was shortlisted for a PPA Award in 2017, has written extensively for many publications, and has contributed to three books. She is a guest lecturer in digital journalism at Goldsmiths University, London, where she also holds a masters degree in creative writing. Now, her main areas of expertise include content strategy, audience engagement, and social media.