Martin Brudnizki gives Harrods’ wine rooms a full-bodied make-over
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.’
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.
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Harrods website
ADDRESS
87-135 Brompton Road
Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
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.
-
Tom Wesselmann’s enduring influence on pop art goes under the spotlight in Paris
‘Pop Forever, Tom Wesselmann &...’ is on view at Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris until 24 February 2025
By Ann Binlot Published
-
Sun Tower is a Chinese cultural attraction that draws on the celestial cycle
Sun Tower, an imaginative cultural attraction by Open Architecture, draws on the natural cycle and has just opened in China's seaside town of Yantai
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Looking for a long-range luxury EV that’s a true Tesla alternative? Welcome to the Lucid Air
We drive the Lucid Air, the high-performance Californian EV that’s a welcome leftfield choice in a sea of Musk-mobiles. Vote Lucid!
By Guy Bird Published
-
Celebrate Día de los Muertos at one of London (and the world’s) finest Mexican restaurants
Día de los Muertos will arrive at KOL in Marylebone on 2 November, with a collaborative menu including dishes from the chefs behind Endo at The Rotunda to The Connaught, wrapped up with a mezcal fiesta
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Mark’s Club’s interior refresh brings British countryside charm to the heart of Mayfair
Located in a classic Mayfair townhouse, Mark’s Club unveils its new interiors, from greenhouse extensions to a new open-plan layout full of trinkets and charm
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Frogs legs to fromage: Café François is London’s newest French canteen, serving up all the classics with a contemporary global twist
The founders of Mayfair's Maison François have opened a new addition, Café François. The Borough-based canteen offers an array of French classics from dawn to dusk
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Dramatic and immersive, Dosa dishes up Korean cuisine with a moody flair
The Mandarin Oriental Mayfair welcomes Dosa, a new Korean restaurant by Akira Back
By Melina Keays Published
-
Yauatcha’s bespoke mooncakes mark the start of delicious celebrations for Mid-Autumn Festival
Yauatcha, London’s Chinese dim sum teahouse, celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival (17 September) with three flavours of limited-edition mooncakes
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Why bread is back on the menu
Gone are the days of carb-avoidant diets dominating restaurant menus. Food Critic, Leonie Cooper, celebrates the return of pillowy, inventive bread as London's stand-out dish
By Leonie Cooper Published
-
Birley Chocolate hits the sweet ’n’ chic spot in London’s Chelsea
The new Birley Chocolate shop, a sibling to Birley Bakery, is a confection of colour as delicious as its finely crafted goods
By Melina Keays Published
-
The London tequila bars well worth a shot
Our resident spirits writer Neil Ridley explores London’s best places to enjoy the finest agave-based spirits
By Neil Ridley Published