Bright lights and lashings of pink, combined with the atmosphere of a gaming arcade drenched in oodles of vintage 1980s glamour, marks the arrival of a Soho outpost for EL&N London; architectural practice Holland Harvey creating a playful interior for London’s “most Instgrammable hotspot”.
Located on Wardour Street, the café has two distinct zones, the front featuring pale pink glow tiles and a display unit which is clad in perforated metal panels powder-coated in pink and shows off the cakes and other sweet treats the brand are renowned for. Standing for Eat, Live and Nourish, EL&N was founded by Alexandra Miller in 2017 and has taken London and beyond by storm. The fashion-led food and drink destination is recognised as an all-important Instagrammable destination thanks to its iconic flower walls, pink interiors and alternative lattes.
Looking to “create something groundbreaking that perfectly fit the area of Soho”, Miller instilled the expertise of Holland Harvey, who in turn designed an “exciting and bold new concept for the brand”. A venue that puts customer experience at its heart, all involved have created a playful setting for the decadent food and beverage offerings, as well as highly photogenic interiors for their social media savvy target audience.
Originally an old printworks studio, much of the industrial features were retained, of course generously coated with the brand’s signature pink hues. To separate the front and back sections of the premises, a metal mesh and neon archway was inserted within the building shell, which houses vintage game machines and a vibrant neon jukebox. The walkway gives customers a sneak preview into what awaits them in the second room, which is clad in a dazzling grid of mirrors, bespoke neon signs and a polished stainless steel ceiling that bounces and distorts the coloured lights. All in all, it’s a truly immersive spot to sip a coffee and strike a pose.
From the baristas who make the most delightful drinks, the chefs whipping up dishes such as eggs or açai bowls, to the beautiful customers who flock in their droves, EL&N London’s Soho outpost is another winner for this very Gen Z of concepts.
Photography © Nicholas Worley.
