Gelateria and cocktail bar set to re-open in London’s West End following redesign

On Tuesday May 23, “bustling” Soho gelateria Gelupo will re-open after a short hiatus, having closed for a complete redesign.

Designed by Archmongers Architects, this will be Gelupo’s first makeover since it opened its doors back in 2010. For the very first time, Gelupo will also be serving wines, spritzes and Italian cocktails alongside its artisan gelato.

Together with co-founder Jacob Kenedy, Archmongers sought to give the store a “sophisticated” feel by improving the flow and customer experience as well as creating a more contemporary interior. Gelupo’s colourful palette will be incorporated into materials to add texture, and a fresh new lighting scheme evokes the brand’s “playful” spirit.

When entering Gelupo, guests will notice that the traditional stainless-steel counter, with carapinas filled full of seasonal gelati, has been moved back. This was done with the intention of creating an “inviting and spacious” entrance, with ample room for visitors to queue and choose which combination of flavours to try.

Gelato lovers who wish to linger over their gelato will be able to take a seat on the soft, chocolate-coloured leather banquettes towards the partially enclosed rear of the store to savour each spoonful in comfort.

A new walnut letterboard wall menu will also feature a brand new drinks menu, allowing customers to order Italian spritzes, spumante or Moscato with their afternoon treat, or perhaps a negroni with their after-dinner dessert.

When Gelupo is booked for private events, the team can also pour coffee and bubbles from a new central serving station. This aims to feel like a “natural transformation for a gelateria with its feet firmly in Soho and with its heart in Italy”.

New lighting will transform each area of the gelateria, with dimmable mirror-mounted wall lights that will make late-night gelato and cocktails even cosier. Natural materials will be complemented by soft shades, while the secondary Gelupo colours have been referenced in the walls, with brightly-coloured marble speckles in the terrazzo flooring.

Jacob commented: “We’ve served so many customers since we opened our doors back in 2010, so we’re looking forward to sprucing things up a little bit and introducing our new look. The space will feel more modern, warm, and welcoming.

“In particular, the seating area will be the perfect spot to relax over an Italian coffee, or a few scoops of our artisan gelato alongside a summer spritz.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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