Step Inside Barnaby: London's New Chocolate Shop with a Nostalgic British Twist

A Nostalgic Haven for Chocolate Lovers

Wood panelling and glossy floor tiles bring a nostalgic feel to the new Barnaby chocolate shop located in Covent Garden, London. Designed by Morrisstudio and Built Works, the shop aims to evoke a golden age of confectionery.

Barnaby specializes in gourmet chocolate bars inspired by childhood favorites. The interior reflects the sophistication and timeless appeal of their products. Founder Barney Goff collaborated with Morrisstudio for the interiors, while Built Works handled architectural services, and Irving & Co worked on the brand identity.

Design Inspiration and Aesthetic

Morris aimed to create a space that is both serious yet charming, targeting an audience that resonates with nostalgia for classic chocolate bars, rather than the vibrant, flashy aesthetics aimed at Gen Z. The design draws heavily from Arts and Crafts architecture and the Edwardian village of Bournville, known for its historical connection to the Cadbury chocolate factory.

The interior references the elegance of the past while avoiding a themed look. The color palette of the shop’s tiles is inspired by vintage 1930s posters promoting Bournville. Morris expressed a desire for the shop to feel peculiarly British, differentiating it from other confectionery brands that lean either towards colorful kitsch or luxury.

Architectural Features

The shop features a remodelled facade made entirely of solid wood, with traditional tusk and tenon joints that enhance its classic appeal. The interior includes stained oak cladding and handmade tiles that evoke the chocolate-making process.

The 33-square-meter space is designed to include both storage and visible machinery for enrobing chocolate bars, adding a performative aspect to the shopping experience. Every detail, from the logotype by calligrapher Peter Horridge to the crocodile mascot designed by Timba Smits, reflects a careful consideration of branding and customer experience.

Barnaby's shop is its first retail space, with plans for more locations in London and Paris that will carry the same signature design elements, ensuring a cohesive brand experience.

Photography by Ollie Tomlinson.