Blacksheep have just unveiled their latest brand and design offering set to delight the food and beverage industry in the shape of 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 British chef’s – Gee Charman (former chef at Kensington Palace and right-hand woman of celebrity chefs including The Hairy Bikers, Simon Rimmer and Gordon Ramsay), Sophie Michell (executive chef of Pont St. at Belgraves hotel), Jo Pratt (best-selling author of ‘In the mood for food’ and former food editor of ELLE and Glamour magazine) and Caroline Mi Li Artiss (one of the first chefs to be discovered on YouTube and self-made momtrepreneur).
Set within a fast paced environment that is often more associated with stress, confusion and fast food, The Gorgeous Kitchen allows guests to escape to a world of tranquility before they even step onto the runway. Having the award-winning design of Jamie’s Italian Gatwick under their belt, meant Blacksheep are no strangers to working within the challenging airport environment. Nathalie Gibbs, Creative Director of Blacksheep commented; “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. The Gorgeous Kitchen is just the type of beautiful and indulgent dining experience that travelers today deserve to enjoy before they jet off.”
Blacksheep were involved with developing all aspects of the 360 degree 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 they wanted to create something that would truly capture the unique collaboration and chemistry of the four leading chefs. A bespoke wordmark; 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. Always surrounded by space, the overall identity reflects the sanctuary in which the environment envelops the guest.
This notion of space can also be seen throughout the restaurant’s interior, evoking feelings of tranquility, peace and calm, an escape within an escape. The layout of the restaurant itself is based on natural organization and freedom of form. The introduction of delicate copper vinaigrettes help connect the spaces from a central point creating pockets of natural rest. Antique Murano glass shades appear to float effortlessly complimenting the calm atmosphere of the safe haven whilst giving it a certain ethereal quality.
The solution provides the ultimate sanctuary for busy travelers to detach themselves from the hustle and bustle of the typical airport environment. A voyage designed to delight the senses and capture the imagination; it draws the guest into the beautiful quiet luxury that is – The Gorgeous Kitchen.
Walter Seib, CEO of HMSHost International commented: “The Gorgeous Kitchen was born from a vision to provide travelers with a quality restaurant and something never-before-seen. 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.”
