Nestled between the Tate Modern and Borough Market, Nagare, Bankside is their third site and the second space we’ve designed for the independent coffee brand. The interior of each site is tailored to its London location, but they all share the same calm atmosphere and quiet attention to detail that defined the original shop in Spitalfields.

Set within a new commercial development, this space needed to feel open and generous, without losing the warmth and intimacy Nagare is known for. As we’ve done for other commercial projects, we handled the entire fit-out acting as a one-stop-shop - from concept design, spatial design and material selection to M&E package, construction and of course joinery fabrication and installation.

Despite the 160 sqm foot print, the layout took more iterations than expected. Creating something functional, balanced, and atmospheric within such an open space comes with its own challenges - especially when the inspiration is drawn from the kissaten cafés of Japan: small, quiet, tucked away. It was essential to find a way to hold onto that mood, even in a setting that’s light, open and contemporary.

The answer came through geometry and materiality. A long, curved walnut bar leads customers gently from the entrance inward, softening the journey and anchoring the space. Grounding the interior is the fully bespoke walnut cladding, shaped to reflect the curved glazing. A large communal table stretches through the centre - a place to share, work, or sit quietly. Along one side, a sculptural window bench, shaped in the fluid architectural language of the Triptych development, contrasts playfully with the cluster of vintage chairs and café tables.

Soft microcement walls, deep walnut, and vintage lighting break up the large walls and the tension between light and dark, old and new, cosy and open, straight and curved. The layout feels simple, but every curve, cut and connection is doing quiet work. The finished product is a space aligning with the original visual world of Nagare Coffee while completely unique and adapted to fit this ultra modern site.