Debenhams has announced a £25million pound refurbishment of its flagship store on London’s Oxford Street – the likes of which have never been seen before in the retailer’s 200-year history. Shoppers can look forward to a towering seven floors of retail space, including what Debenhams describes as ‘the jewel in the crown’: three brand new hospitality areas.
3 new hospitality areas
The new restaurant, café and bistro will be re-designed in line with the store’s fresh look, taking Debenhams’ in-store hospitality experience to a new level; the best that London has to offer.
The undertaking is the biggest re-development Oxford Street has ever seen. It promises to revolutionise the look of the Bond Street section of the street and reinforce the West End’s position as an international shopping destination.
Richard Cristofoli, Debenhams’ Marketing Director, says: “Our vision is to create a branded environment that redefines Debenhams in the West End and beyond, representing a vibrant and relevant concept for the future. It will be the benchmark for a department store experience that is enticing, inspiring and celebrates what makes us unique.”
Debenhams’ restaurant
The restaurant will be elevated in more ways than one: not only will it move from the second to the fifth floor, it will also receive a complete visual, service and menu upgrade.
Re-created with families and tourists in mind, visitors can expect to see a much brighter and more spacious restaurant (illustrated above) with contemporary fixtures & furniture and a mouth-watering menu.
Remaining a self-service restaurant, the layout has been specifically designed to guarantee customers a smooth and swift service. For example coffee, tea and other drinks will be available at every counter allowing for just one counter stop.
The menu has been re-created, using local and fresh produce wherever possible and a rigorous focus on quality. John Baker, Director of Food Services says, “The 5th floor restaurant will be a celebration of British culinary history and heritage, with an emphasis on iconic dishes both British visitors and tourists will love.
“Fish has always been one of our best sellers so we’ve created a Fish & Chip Shop where fresh plaice, cod, scampi and salmon fishcakes will be available with thick-cut chips and mushy peas!”
The new restaurant will seat over 250 people and is set to be unveiled to customers in Autumn 2013.
Second floor cafe
As well as the new restaurant, Debenhams will be introducing an additional area on the second floor. Positioned alongside young fashion, this space will represent a relaxed café style service.
Celebrating London’s dynamic food culture and inspired by the very best in artisan street markets, the emphasis here will be on flavour and freshness. In addition to premium tea and coffee and artisan pastries, menu highlights include a creamy fish pie, a delicious lamb hot pot and savoury snacks like oven baked sausage rolls.
Digital menus will also feature in the café where shoppers will be encouraged to have a coffee break or a light lunch at their leisure. The second floor café will be open to customers before Christmas.
Bistro
Nestled amongst a new oasis for women on the department store’s basement floor, customers will find a new-look bistro (illustrated below) with modern design features and informal table service.
This area offers shoppers an opportunity for light refreshment and will feature a menu of fresh, contemporary food with signature dishes of crispy salt & pepper squid with a lime aioli, oak smoked salmon on sourdough with salsa verde and a grilled halloumi, almond and courgette ribbon salad.
The bistro will guarantee a completely relaxed experience and is set to open to the public shortly.
The store will not be closing to customers during the yearlong programme.