Chai Guys Bakehouse

SODA have completed the first permanent outlet for Chai Guys Bakehouse in Portobello Road, London. Chai Guys is a company dedicated to making authentic Masala Chai and for this project, they wanted to couple this with a compact but high-functioning bakery to produce goods in-house. The design of this new space reflects the performative process of making the tea, while creating a sense of warmth and belonging for all customers.

Our design responds by picking up on the colour palette of the existing brand, which is a modern take on traditional Chai and incorporates the sights, smells and tones of the different spices involved. The store acts as a calm refuge from the busy Portobello Market streetscape, utilising low timber datum panelling combined with boucle and leather seating to provide visitors with a welcoming space to linger. The low-tiled counter allows for enhanced views of the serving of tea, which is a theatrical spectacle in itself. Sightlines are drawn through the main space to the baking activity at the other end, with additional spices creating a kaleidoscopic olfactory experience.