Suntory Global Spirits is one of the world’s leading premium spirits companies, producing iconic brands like Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Yamazaki, Laphroaig, and Sipsmith. Suntory sought a new flagship London workplace that would support their sales operations, host clients, and reflect the company’s deep Japanese heritage and global outlook. We were appointed after a competitive tender to deliver a high-performance workplace alongside CBRE’s Turnkey division. The brief was to create not just an elegant and flexible space but also a destination to host clients and incorporate event space, all whilst meeting budget and an ambitious timeline. The result is a refined, brand-led environment in the heart of London that embodies Suntory’s craft, culture, and future aspirations.
Working within UK House, an occupied and listed building, our construction team navigated a complex programme, delivering the project on time and in line with SKA Gold requirements. The design development was expertly managed to keep the timeline on track, with all major design elements signed off before work began on site. Changes that emerged during delivery were handled efficiently, including updates to finishes and joinery that reflected the client’s evolving vision.
We collaborated closely with the landlord, building management and global stakeholders to deliver a fully coordinated and seamless execution. A best in class functioning bar, specialist AV coordination and appliance integration were managed through detailed workshops and robust quality assurance. Our use of the Breadcrumb app enhanced safety and accountability across the site, assisting with an efficient timeline for the project.
The design of the 9,000 sq ft space draws on Japanese architecture and design principles, centred around the concept of Engawa, the transitional space between inside and outside, to create a calm and balanced environment. Key materials such as dented copper, Spanish oak, and charred timber reference Suntory’s heritage and craft and formed an important part of the brief. The space includes a hospitality-led front-of-house with a signature bar showcasing their full drinks portfolio, divisible meeting rooms themed around their iconic brands, a breakout area, and a Gemba Wall to display key products. The bar is also located next to an exterior terrace, designed in such a way that the space could be extended during events.
A private VIP tasting room is located in the back-of-house, along with the open-plan office which supports a growing sales team, complemented by flexible furniture solutions and phone booths for privacy. Natural tones, refined textures, and considered elements of reuse across the space underpin a workspace that enables both focused work and effective client engagement. Every detail was thoughtfully executed from start to finish, delivering a layered design that resonated with the client and their goals, whilst complementing the multifunctional uses of all spaces.
This new workplace demonstrates the true collaboration with CBRE and Suntory, and the trust placed in us to deliver a space that reflects both their brand and ambition. We led every stage of the project in close partnership, from developing the design concept and furniture scheme to designing specialist joinery, coordinating AV integration, and managing all statutory and building control approvals.
The end result is a bespoke, aspirational space for Suntory which showcases their story and supports growth, bringing their global identity to life in Central London. This distinctive, high-performance workplace now supports the flexible needs of their employees and visitors.
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