Thirsty work: SODA transforms a printworks into a distillery for liqueur-lovers

Gearing up for this year’s instalment of London’s Cocktail Week – from 3–9 October – modern distilling collective Sweetdram have called upon London-based architects SODA to create a delightfully minimal workplace, situated in a disused printworks in the heart of East London.

It’s fair to say that Sweetdram takes the art of distilling seriously – the brand is busy providing London’s liqueur lovers with a number of masterclasses and pop-up events, while simultaneously experimenting with an array of new and exciting recipes. Last year they celebrated the launch of their inaugural tipple Escubac, a modern liqueur comprising 14 aromatic botanicals, including caraway, cardamom, nutmeg and citrus, which when mixed with a cold tonic promises to act as a refreshing alternative to a G&T.

After finding a permanent place to call home in Dalston, SODA set out to create an elegant and simple design for the new distillery by centering the interior’s aesthetic around Sweetdram’s concise product line and strong brand philosophy. Designed to be as flexible as possible, each of the interior elements was built with the ability to change position at a moment's notice, instantly adapting the space to cater to a number of different functions. 

Cork acts as a key material within the interior, utilised throughout the design for worktops and within the unique storage wall provided by Walthamstow-based cabinet maker David Vivian, who also created a number of bespoke elements throughout the design. The result is a functional and smart space tailored to the brand's needs – not only acting as an extension of Sweetdram but also as a fitting place to showcase their delicious line of liqueurs.