District Coffee & Wine

District’s founder, Chelsea Finch, brings that tasty “Aussie style” brunch culture to London, through simple food, speciality coffee and a warm welcome. Established in 2017 in Parsons Green, followed by a branch in Nine Elms, the design and interiors are inspired by the beach, filled with natural light and a minimalistic feel. Our brief was to help grow the business to nearby locations, in buildings that could capture the spirit and ethos of District’s approach to building communities around the cafes. The new branch also had to combine elements of a wine-led experience that are savoured at District’s sister brand, Where’s Fred’s? All-day café and wine bar in the City of London.

Following a day walking & talking “strategy” together, it became clear that corner buildings were a priority; they deliver double the impact, double the light, double the view out, double the outside seating, and become local landmarks.

A list of potential corner buildings was compiled and what followed can only be descried as old-fashioned agency; footwork, speculative enquiries with occupiers who might want to vacate, tracking down owners of vacant spaces, a process of elimination until we found the perfect spot together.

District’s Parkgate Road branch has become such a feature of the local Battersea community, you’d never know it hasn’t been there forever. It is a beautiful, light filled corner space, dual aspect, double height, due to its industrial past as a riverside flour wharf. Chelsea’s talent for design and her considered approach; moving to B Corp, community creation through running clubs with access to the Thames Path and Battersea Park around the corner, wine events, co-workspace and the delicious offer have made this a cornerstone of the local area.

Agency, Mapping, Strategy, Location Knowledge, Search & Acquire, Commercial Terms, Negotiation, Legal Collaboration.