In celebration of the first anniversary of its expansive men’s shoe department, Selfridges in London has commissioned prominent interior and product design specialist, Lee Broom, to design the innovative new venue, Mark’s Bar. Operated by Mark Hix, the capital’s smallest cocktail bar opens today.
Lee says: “It was great to work with Selfridges and Mark Hix on the bar design. I have a great deal of experience in furniture, bar and high-end retail design, so combining all three disciplines into one brief was an exciting prospect. There were many unique requirements which ultimately have really enhanced the design of the pieces and I’m very proud of the result.”
Mark adds: “It is great to have the smallest cocktail bar in the largest men’s shoewear department in the world. As with the original Mark’s Bar in Soho, we aim to create some fantastic cocktails, but this time taking inspiration in our approach from famous shoemakers.”
When designing the bar concept, Lee was inspired by 1960’s America – a time when entertaining at home was growing in popularity – and the silhouettes and materials of mid-century design. The bar recreates the sense of theatre from that era, producing a heightened version of home entertaining.
The bar’s design-led furniture collection complements its high-end fashion surroundings and is moveable to allow or relocation throughout the department store. There are three main pieces to the collection – a sideboard, a hostess trolley and a tall boy drawer set. Every piece is bespoke and handcrafted in the UK using walnut wood with polished and brushed brass accents.
To tie the bar design together and help create a domestic atmosphere, Lee has added an oversized circular mirror using the same wood and brass finishes. A matching long wooden table and stools accompany the bar, allowing shoppers to enjoy one of the cocktails on offer amid the bustling shop floor.
Mark’s Bar is located in the men’s shoe department on level 1 at Selfridges, London.
