Nestled in the village of Willingham near Cambridge, LOT 25 is a restaurant, café, and bar transformed through a full refurbishment of a historic barn. Our design vision was to honour the building’s character while creating a refined, functional venue for dining and events. The project required interiors that balanced style, comfort, and flow, providing a welcoming environment for both day-to-day café service and evening dining experiences.
We introduced a thoughtful layout that enhances circulation and usability, alongside bespoke booth seating and luxurious upholstered furniture layered against rustic, natural materials. The centrepiece of the venue is a striking split staircase, crafted by British makers, which connects the new mezzanine level and creates a dramatic focal point while enhancing functionality. The design carefully merges contemporary refinement with the barn’s authentic character, creating a space that feels both timeless and welcoming.
The primary challenge at LOT 25 was to transform a historic barn into a modern hospitality venue while respecting its architectural character. The space needed to support a variety of functions — from casual café service to full-service dining and events — without losing its sense of intimacy and authenticity.
Balancing practical requirements such as seating layouts, circulation, and operational flow with the desire for a high-end, immersive dining experience required careful planning. The design also had to celebrate the barn’s heritage while introducing contemporary elements that enhance comfort and atmosphere for patrons.
Our approach combined strategic layout planning with bespoke interior design. We began by rethinking the circulation and spatial organisation, ensuring smooth movement for both staff and guests. Bespoke booth seating and luxurious upholstered furniture were carefully positioned to create comfort and intimacy, while natural materials were layered throughout to highlight the barn’s historic character.
The split staircase was designed and commissioned from British makers, connecting the new mezzanine and providing both a practical and striking architectural feature. Every element, from furniture to finishes, was selected to ensure durability, comfort, and a refined aesthetic. Throughout, we balanced the needs of the business with a design that would feel inviting, memorable, and authentic to visitors.
Comprehensive spatial planning and layout for café, restaurant, and mezzanine areas, bespoke joinery, including booth seating and feature staircase, furniture selection and upholstered seating scheme, material and finishes specification that complements the barn’s character, lighting design to create atmosphere and enhance the dining experience, integration of design with operational and functional requirements.
LOT 25 demonstrates how thoughtful, tailored interior design can transform a historic space into a contemporary hospitality destination. By respecting the architecture while elevating the user experience, the barn now functions as a versatile venue that is equally suited for casual visits, fine dining, and memorable events.
