Blacksheep has just unveiled its latest brand and design offering, The Gorgeous Kitchen, a new all-day dining concept launched as part of the regeneration project at T2, Heathrow, operated by HMSHost International.
The restaurant, which places emphasis on local British produce, is a collaboration between four high profile British chefs – Gee Charman, Sophie Michell, Jo Pratt and Caroline Mi Li Artiss.
Set, as it is, within a fast-paced environment typical of busy airports, The Gorgeous Kitchen nevertheless allows guests to escape to a tranquil, soothing space before they even step onto the runway.
With the award-winning design of Jamie’s Italian Gatwick under its belt, design firm Blacksheep is no stranger to working within the challenging airport environment. “There is still much work to do in improving these environments in terms of the experiences they offer their guests, but the entire regeneration programme at T2 is promising as it reflects the shift in this thinking,” comments Nathalie Gibbs, ceative director of Blacksheep.
“The Gorgeous Kitchen is just the type of beautiful and indulgent dining experience that travellers today deserve to enjoy before they jet off.”
Blacksheep was involved with developing all aspects of the 360° brand experience, from the design of the identity right through to the interiors of the space and everything in between.
For the brand’s identity Blacksheep wanted to create something that would truly capture the unique collaboration and chemistry of the four leading chefs. A bespoke word mark; crafted out of a variety of different typefaces represents just that. Purposefully placed across three levels, it represents the stages of a journey, whilst the punctuation or beauty mark denotes the pause that the environment creates for the guest, as well as giving a subtle hint towards the femininity and beauty of the concept.
This notion of space can also be seen throughout the restaurant’s interior, evoking feelings of tranquillity, peace and calm. The layout of the restaurant itself is based on natural organisation and freedom of form. The introduction of delicate copper vinaigrettes help connect the spaces from a central point, creating pockets of natural rest. Meanwhile, antique Murano glass shades appear to float effortlessly – complementing the calm atmosphere of the safe haven, whilst giving it a certain ethereal quality.
“The Gorgeous Kitchen was born from a vision to provide travellers with a quality restaurant and something never before seen,” says Walter Seib, CEO of HMSHost International. “I am thrilled that we are able to bring together the culinary expertise of four incredible local chefs to create this one-of-a kind full service destination restaurant in Heathrow’s new Terminal 2.”
