LA is glowing

LA is glowing - The Oscars made a statement with outsider ‘The Hurt Locker’ sweeping the two biggies, Best Film and Best Director and Soho House opened its doors to another luxury members club, Soho House West Hollywood – an open-air condo style experience.  We didn’t manage to get to the Oscars but we loved …

Intelligentsia Coffee Bar

Located on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, Los Angeles, ‘Intelligentsia’ redefines the coffee experience. Walking through a double-height entrance hall open to the Californian sky, customers are met by their own personal barista at a concierge desk who escorts them to a magnificent espresso station. Here their coffee is lovingly prepared in front of them creating an individualised experience before they take a seat in the external hall or the wi-fi terrace at the rear.

The whole interior has been laid out around the barista stations in an environment that resembles a ‘coffee laboratory’ - open counters, exposed steel pipes and coffee-bean hoppers provide a great visual energy to the experience. Tea is also served at the rear in a contemporary interpretation of the Japanese tea ceremony. The coffee is the main deal though and it is among the best I have ever tasted!

The Stronghold

Also located on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, Los Angeles, ‘The Stronghold’ is a mens and womenswear denim brand, that delivers a truly inspiring retail experience.  Combining great visual merchandising, product communications and eye-catching propping, they manage to take the customer on a real, sensory brand journey that is authentic but never pastiche.

Upstairs, ‘The Stronghold Speakeasy’ hosts regular bluegrass events that support the broader retail brand experience. 

The Parker Palm Springs

Formerly the ranch of the singing cowboy, Gene Autry (as in ‘Here comes Santa Claus’), this spectacular hotel was designed by Jonathan Adler. Its camp, its colourful, its cool... and a great alternative to the carefully co-ordinated luxury hotels that we’re used to!