Crafting Culinary Experiences: The Artisans Behind the Scenes

In the world of hospitality, where ambiance and attention to detail can make or break an establishment, a select group of artisans are quietly shaping the experiences that captivate diners. From the bespoke joiner crafting custom furniture to the ceramicist creating one-of-a-kind tableware, these unsung heroes are the driving force behind the seamless integration of form and function that elevates the dining experience. Delve into the stories of these passionate individuals who are redefining the way we interact with the spaces and objects that surround us, one meticulously crafted piece at a time.

Elevating the Everyday: The Artistry of Functional Design

The Bespoke Joiner: Alice Blogg

For Alice Blogg, wood is more than just a material – it's a way of life. At her rural workshop in west Dorset, Blogg crafts everything from chopping boards to bespoke kitchens, driven by a "healthy obsession" with the natural beauty and sustainability of this versatile medium. Her passion for wood extends beyond her professional work, as she and her joiner husband, Fergus Peterkin, have built their own home entirely from the material, a testament to their commitment to the craft.Blogg's approach to design is rooted in a deep understanding of how her creations will be used in the real world. She meticulously measures and observes the actions of restaurant staff, ensuring that her pieces, from cheese trolleys to beer-tap handles, are not only visually stunning but also highly functional. This attention to detail has earned her a loyal following among chefs and restaurateurs, who appreciate the way her work seamlessly integrates into their daily operations.Blogg's design philosophy is guided by a desire to create pieces that will stand the test of time, both in terms of durability and aesthetic appeal. She sources sustainable timber, often from well-managed local forests, and employs techniques that allow her furniture to develop a unique patina and character over time. This commitment to longevity and the natural aging process is reflected in her own home, where the family's wooden plates and bowls are a testament to her belief that the more you use something, the better it becomes.

The Soundtrack Expert: Rob Wood, Music Concierge

In the world of hospitality, the power of music to shape the ambiance and atmosphere of a space is often overlooked. Rob Wood, the founder of Music Concierge, has made it his mission to change that. With a vast library of over 250 genres and a team of more than 60 music experts, Wood's company curates bespoke soundtracks for restaurants, hotels, and bars around the world, ensuring that the music seamlessly complements the overall aesthetic and experience.Wood's approach to music curation is rooted in a deep understanding of the hospitality industry and the psychology of how people interact with their surroundings. He analyzes every aspect of a venue, from its decor and menu to its service style and trading patterns, to create playlists that enhance the desired mood and energy level. Whether it's a relaxed, intimate atmosphere for a fine-dining establishment or a lively, energetic vibe for a casual eatery, Wood's team meticulously crafts the perfect soundtrack to support the overall concept.The impact of Music Concierge's work can be felt in the subtle yet powerful ways it shapes the guest experience. By carefully selecting tracks that evoke specific emotions and settings, the company helps to transport diners to a different time and place, creating a sense of escapism and immersion that can elevate even the most mundane meal. Whether it's the retro-inspired Bollywood and jazz blend at Dishoom or the guitar-driven playlist at Tom Kerridge's restaurant, the music becomes an integral part of the overall dining experience, seamlessly blending with the visual and culinary elements to create a truly memorable encounter.

The Ceramicist: Skye Corewijn

In the ever-evolving world of hospitality, the role of the ceramicist has become increasingly vital. Skye Corewijn, a London-based potter, has witnessed firsthand the explosion of interest in handmade, bespoke tableware among chefs and restaurateurs. As plates have become the "frames" for culinary masterpieces, the demand for unique, artisanal pieces that reflect the personality and ethos of an establishment has soared.Corewijn's journey into the world of ceramics began with a desire to find a more tactile and nourishing creative outlet, a stark contrast to her previous desk job. Through trial and error, and with the guidance of mentors like potter Jess Joslin, Corewijn honed her skills and developed a portfolio of restaurant clients, from the Clove Club to Koya. Her collaborative approach to design allows her to seamlessly blend the tastes and preferences of chefs with her own artistic vision, resulting in pieces that are both visually stunning and highly functional.Corewijn's work is characterized by a focus on contrasts, both in terms of texture and finish. Her pieces often feature a combination of matte and glossy surfaces, with the natural variations in color and size that come with handmade pottery. This embrace of imperfection is a key part of Corewijn's design philosophy, as she believes that the idiosyncrasies of her work are what give it character and soul, setting it apart from the uniformity of mass-produced tableware.Beyond aesthetics, Corewijn also considers the practical aspects of her creations, drawing on her own experience working in restaurants to ensure that her pieces can withstand the rigors of daily use. Her "dimple" cups for Assembly Coffee, for example, feature a tactile indent that allows the user to wrap their hand around the cup, creating a cozy, comfortable experience that enhances the morning ritual of a coffee break.As the ceramics scene continues to thrive, Corewijn's work stands as a testament to the power of handmade, locally sourced objects to elevate the dining experience. By embracing the unique qualities of her medium and collaborating closely with her clients, she is helping to redefine the role of the ceramicist in the hospitality industry, one beautifully crafted piece at a time.

The Interior Architect: Richard Eastwood, R2A

For Richard Eastwood, the founder of the design agency R2A, the true magic of a building lies not in its exterior, but in the carefully crafted interiors that shape the experiences of those who inhabit it. Eastwood and his team have made a name for themselves by designing some of the most notable hospitality spaces in the UK, from the vibrant Madre in Manchester to the cozy Manifest in Liverpool, each one a reflection of the unique narrative and identity of the establishment.Eastwood's approach to interior design is rooted in a deep understanding of the practical and emotional needs of both the business owners and their guests. He meticulously considers every aspect of a space, from the ergonomics of the kitchen to the placement of tables and seating, ensuring that the final design not only looks visually stunning but also functions seamlessly. Comfort, he believes, is paramount, and he has a keen eye for details that can make or break the guest experience, from the height of a table to the softness of a bench.Beyond the practical considerations, Eastwood and his team also work to imbue each space with a distinct sense of character and atmosphere. By drawing inspiration from the brand's identity, the building's history, and contemporary design trends, they create interiors that feel cohesive and authentic, transporting guests to a specific time and place. At Madre, for example, the team's subtle nods to traditional Mexican architecture are woven into a modern, vibrant space that evokes the energy of a bustling city center.Eastwood likens the design process to that of a music producer, blending and refining ideas from multiple sources to create a harmonious whole. This holistic approach allows R2A to craft interiors that not only look beautiful but also enhance the overall dining experience, supporting the narrative and ethos of the establishment. Whether it's the open kitchen and seasonal produce display at Manifest or the moody, nightclub-inspired lighting at Madre, every design decision is made with the goal of creating a space that feels effortlessly cohesive and immersive.As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, the role of the interior architect has become increasingly crucial. Eastwood and his team at R2A are at the forefront of this movement, redefining the way we think about the spaces where we gather, eat, and connect. By seamlessly integrating form and function, they are creating environments that not only delight the senses but also foster a deeper sense of connection and belonging.

The Tanner: Jack Millington, Billy Tannery

In an age of mass production and globalization, the art of traditional leather tanning has become a rarity. But for Jack Millington, the co-founder of Billy Tannery, this niche industry presented an opportunity to revive a dying craft and create a sustainable, locally sourced alternative to the ubiquitous leather products that dominate the market.Millington's journey into the world of tanning began with a simple question: what to do with the surplus hides from his father's goat meat farm. Recognizing the untapped potential in this overlooked resource, Millington set out to build a micro-tannery that could transform these hides into high-quality leather products. The result is Billy Tannery, a Leicestershire-based operation that not only uses a pre-industrial tree bark tanning method but also specializes in processing goat and deer skins, rather than the more common cow or sheep hides.This unique approach has resonated with chefs and restaurateurs, who have embraced Billy Tannery's products as a way to incorporate sustainable, locally sourced materials into their establishments. From handsome chefs' aprons to bespoke leather menu covers and order-pad holders, Millington's creations have become a sought-after addition to the hospitality industry, blending style, ethics, and practicality.The story behind Billy Tannery's products is a key part of their appeal. By upcycling hides that would otherwise have been discarded, Millington has tapped into a growing demand for products with a clear provenance and a commitment to reducing waste. This narrative, combined with the inherent beauty and durability of the leather, has made Billy Tannery's offerings a popular choice among chefs and restaurateurs who value the intersection of artisanal craftsmanship and sustainable practices.As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, the role of the tanner has become increasingly important. Millington and his team at Billy Tannery are at the forefront of this movement, demonstrating how the revival of traditional techniques and the use of locally sourced materials can create products that not only enhance the dining experience but also contribute to a more sustainable future for the industry as a whole.