Journal
Summer Flock Afternoon: Pot Luck
At Blacksheep, we enjoy coming together as a team for our regular potlucks throughout the year. These gatherings are the perfect opportunity to reconnect – all while enjoying a delightful array of food.
This summer, our spread featured a mouthwatering selection of dishes from around the globe, including flavours from the Caribbean, Canada, South Africa and India, making it a truly diverse and delicious feast.
Flock Day Out: Boulebar
Flock Summer Social
Last week, our team took a break from the studio and ventured to Waterloo for a game of boules at Boulebar. Our teams fiercely competed for the title of boules champion, all while enjoying a few refreshing drinks and great company. Despite a bit of rain, we had a blast with plenty of fun and a hint of friendly competition.
Spotlight: Chef Tom Barnes
We are excited to announce our partnership with chef Tom Barnes on his new restaurant, Skof, which opened in May 2024 – with a vision to create an unpretentious yet ambitious dining experience in the NOMA district of Manchester.
National Restaurant Awards Winner – Skof
We’re delighted to announce that Skof in Manchester has just been awarded ‘One to Watch’ at the prestigious National Restaurant Awards 2024 this week.
Congratulations to Tom Barnes and team.
” Skof might offer a 15-course tasting menu, but it’s being pitched as something that is informal and energetic: a star-chasing restaurant for a city that likes to party. “
One to Watch 2024
National Restaurant Awards List – Aulis
We’re thrilled to see that Simon Rogan’s Michelin-starred Aulis featured in the National Restaurant Awards List 2024.
Congratulations to Simon Rogan and team.
” In 2023, the restaurant underwent a major glow up that saw it double in size to 12 covers and become more of a complete restaurant experience thanks to the addition of a new adjoining lounge area for guests to have drinks before or after dinner. Design details include a striking stone countertop that spans the main dining space, rich green furnishings and earthy tones alongside warm hues and multi-textural accents. “
National Restaurant Awards List 2024
Mix Awards 24 Finalist – Best Design Firm of the Year
We’re absolutely thrilled to have been made a finalist for’ Best Design Firm of the Year’ by the @mix.interiors awards.
As a studio, we strongly believe in the power and value of being strategy-led with a collaborative, inclusive and independent culture and are always looking to evolve with bringing forward-thinking ideas, innovative partnerships, and sustainable solutions to our client partners.
Well done to our hugely talented team – keeping our fingers crossed for the awards evening.
Flock Day Out: Pottery Making
At Blacksheep, we take great pleasure in organising quarterly social events to unite our team and foster creativity. Our spring social led us to Skandihus in Hackney Downs, where we spent an afternoon indulging in pottery, pizza, and prosecco. We enjoyed getting our hands dirty, shaping unique creations ranging from mugs and bowls to trinket holders and more.
It was also the birthday of one of our flock members, providing us with the perfect opportunity to celebrate with a well-deserved birthday cake!
Tim Mutton at Global Hospitality Talk 2024, London
Our founder, Tim Mutton, was invited to participate in a panel discussion at the Global Hospitality Talk held at Raffles in London. The panel explored strategies for future-proofing hospitality brands by focusing on emotive design and improving guest experiences. Topics of discussion ranged from the longevity of design concepts to meeting the evolving expectations of luxury guests. Key insights included debates on whether AI might eventually replace human emotion in design, the importance of providing tailored services for Generation X, and Piers Schmidt’s keynote address highlighting the discrepancy in brand value between hotel brands and those in other luxury sectors.
Liv Awards Winner – Alchemist Berlin
We’re absolutely over the moon to have won two awards for our work @thealchemistde at this year’s @livawards . The project won in the categories of ‘Best Interior Design Restaurant – Casual’ and ‘Best Interior Design Cocktail Bar.’
We couldn’t be prouder of our team, who have crafted an explorative, experiential and dynamic design that celebrates @thealchemistuk first international launch in Berlin, Germany.
We’ve moved into the Leather Market!
We’re delighted to share the news that we have relocated our studio hub to The Leather Market in Bermondsey, London. This exciting move provides our Flock with a much bigger open-plan studio space that meets the needs of our collaborative and flexible working style.
Based in the vibrant heart of Bermondsey, The Leather Market has a rich heritage as a former tannery, the building exudes character, making it the perfect spot to spark our creativity and innovation as designers. We also can’t wait to venture out into the buzzing neighbourhood filled with contemporary culture and some great new foodie spots to uncover.
Flock Day Out: Christmas Party
In December, we gathered to toast to a year of hard work and creativity. Our celebration took us to The Alchemist in Battersea, a venue belonging to one of our esteemed clients. The festivities began with a captivating cocktail-making workshop, setting the tone for an evening filled with lively games and a delicious three-course meal.
As we raise our glasses, here’s to another year of creativity, collaboration and craft awaiting us in 2024!
Flock Top Picks: Coffee Guide to London Bridge
Discover our flock’s city guide for the best coffee in London Bridge.
Flock Day Out: Chocolate Workshop
We wouldn’t be Blacksheep if it weren’t for our amazing Flock! To celebrate their hard work and to spend some important team bonding time together, we regularly organise Flock days out that are always experience-led, fun and social.
Our Autumn Social took us to @mychocolate_uk for a chocolate making workshop where our team learnt the art of truffle making and crafted their own handmade creations, whilst indulging in tasty chocolate goodness!
Our Farm Visit for Aulis
The Our Farm experience set in the Cartmel Valley has been re-created and awakened within Soho for our Aulis refurb. Manager John gave us a great insight into the inner workings of the farm and their approach to growing produce in natural and sustainable ways.
Our Farm
Aulis, Soho now open
@aulissimonrogan has officially reopened its doors in Soho, London with a beautiful refreshed and elevated new look designed by our studio. Ready to welcome guests into their expanded 12-seater chef’s table and lounge to experience an exceptional seasonal tasting menu that has been crafted using ingredients and suppliers from @ourfarm
Flock Day Out: Punting
Last month, our team got out of the studio and headed to Oxford for a spot of punting @cherwellboathouse followed by lunch and a few pints and pimms in the sunshine. Luckily, we all managed to stay dry and enjoy a great day of cruising along the beautiful Oxford river banks together.
Alchemist Edinburgh has arrived
Say hello to @thealchemistuk newest site in George St, Edinburgh and our third opening for the brand this year.
Taking its cues from the city’s spiritual roots, the interior introduces guests into another dimension of the brand experience featuring sculpted accents, statement art pieces and an alluring double-height cocktail bar designed to compliment and enhance the period character of the building.
Flock Day Out: Terrarium Workshop
Last week our team headed to @coaldropsyard for a terrarium masterclass hosted by @botanicalboys
Big thanks to the fabulous Michael who taught us all about the history of terrariums and the layering and planting techniques needed to create our own miniature garden in glass.
The Dispensary @The Alchemist Glasgow
The Dispensary is an interactive self-serve bar that prepares and presents its cocktails with a theatrical puff of smoke. The future of cocktail service has arrived.
The Alchemist Glasgow is now open!
We’re excited to announce we’re working with The Alchemist with our first site now open in Glasgow.
The new interior vision draws on a new age of cosmic alchemy and unearthing of hidden realms to transport guests into a uniquely immersive bar experience. We look forward to partnering with The Alchemist across multiple new sites for 2023 and beyond, watch this space.
20 Years of Blacksheep
20 years ago, Blacksheep’s founder, Tim Mutton sought to change the landscape of hospitality and design industries for the better and took the gamble of setting up his own London design agency.
Today, Blacksheep has grown into an internationally acclaimed creative studio, partnering with brands around the world to create powerful and meaningful hospitality brand experiences. This year marks an incredible milestone for our studio as we celebrate our 20th anniversary. Join us as we reflect on two successful decades of groundbreaking design, exploring the past, present and future at Blacksheep.
BIID Interior Design Award Winner 2022
We are honoured by the recognition of all our creative, design and implementation efforts with the Glenlivet Distillery winning Best Design at the 2022 BIID Design Awards held at the Drapers Hall in London.
I feel that this project truly demonstrates all the best in our studio through the collaborative multidisciplinary qualities that it brings to bear across Strategy, Brand, Interior Design and Architecture.
It is also extremely pleasing to see the Glenlivet Distillery Win Europe’s Leading Whisky Distillery Tour at The World Travel Awards 2022.
Thank you JH Pernod Ricard, BIID & everyone associated with the project.
Our Summer Flock Day Out!
Flock Day Out! We headed over to the Surrey Hills for a private tour and tasting from some of the finest English wine, gin and beer producers in the region.
Big thanks to:
We’ve moved into Borough Yards!
We have officially moved into Borough Yards!
“Located a stone’s throw from Borough Market, and within its landmark development, TOG at Borough Yards takes inspiration from the surrounding medieval streets, the famous Borough Market and the emblematic brick arches of the area – with ironwork, textured glass and glazed bricks. Designed with Studio David Thulstrup, you’ll discover a striking, modern lounge with fantastic views overlooking London Bridge, and a timeless, harmonious environment where your teams can connect and grow.”
Côte launch to bring a taste of France to Henley-On-Thames
“The new restaurant has a contemporary yet elegant French-inspired interior. Normandy artist Claire de Quénetain has worked to deliver the spirit of France with a series of bespoke mural artworks throughout the restaurant. With an open and inviting feel, show-stopping roof lanterns, Crittall windows and Art Deco accents, the evolved look enables the restaurant to smoothly transition from daytime dining to an ambient space perfect for celebratory evening meals.”
New York Times: Hundreds Line Up as Britain’s First Popeyes Opens
“Curious customers waited for hours at an East London shopping mall to get a taste of the Louisiana-based restaurant’s fried chicken.”
Design Week: Blacksheep designs Glenlivet visitor centre inspired by Scottish wilderness
“Like champagne or wine, whisky can feel quite intimidating for people who don’t feel ‘in the know’. “Our task was to make the experience both entertaining and educational, as well as really accessible.”
Five Guys – Celebrate designing 165 stores open
Opening up at two landmark sites in London at St Pauls and Tower Bridge – we are proud to announce a total of 165 stores designed and completed for Five Guys UK! The team visited the Kings Cross branch back in November 2019 to celebrate our 100th store, and hoping we can have lunch together soon to celebrate the next milestone. We’re also meeting the next challenge by adapting our kitchen and restaurant designs based on the current COVID restrictions.
“At Blacksheep we have always sought to design differently.”
In a complex time of significant transformation with the design industry IFI D2D got in touch with our founder Tim Mutton to discuss how this will affect the future of hospitality design. The world has been disrupted more than we ever imagined, but could this be an opportunity to positively reset our approach and transform the way we use spaces and experience them?
‘Lunch & Learn’ with Carl Hansen & Søn
At Blacksheep we host ‘Lunch & Learn’ with our favourite suppliers. This month we were lucky to have Carl Hansen & Søn visit the studio to show off their new wishbone chairs. Driven by a passion for craft, their products hero simple, functional and iconic Danish design. They even let us have a chance to try a bit of weaving ourselves!
Potluck Picnic
Eton Mess, Jamaican Chicken, Swedish meatballs. These are just some of the many delicious dishes the Flock made for our new initiative: Potluck picnic. Once a month we will all tighten the strings on our aprons and mix up a dish to share with the rest of the team. As a studio devoted to food and beverage, our Potluck Picnic is the perfect way for all of us to get together and catch up.
To kick off our first edition, we had a theme that took advantage of our diversely multicultural team: Bring something from your homeland. This resulted in a spectacularly colourful platter of food from across the globe. We piled our plates high, talked about flavours and traditions, and ate together in the sunshine.