With the first residents in and the full launch of the building around the corner, we're eagerly anticipating the launch of Simmos, Lockside Studios' café.

The bespoke space, inspired by travels across Asia and custom built by local coffee legends Paradox Design and Coffee, is set to be the site's crowning jewel.

Tell us about the inspiration behind the space — where did you draw ideas for materials, shapes and textures?

The inspiration for the design of the space came from our travelling in Asia and the speciality coffee shops we visited in Tokyo and Shanghai. We chose the light wood wanting to create a welcoming and warm atmosphere. We add the metallic elements to the space design to make it modern and match with the industrial aesthetic of Lockside Studio. The layout of the coffee shop will focus on the interaction between the space and the customers, how they feel when they enter, how they walk towards the counter, the height of the display… We want the space to be accessible, bright, calm and fun. You can choose to immerse yourself in your own thoughts and have a moment of peace, or you can sit on the big table with your friends have a good chat over a quality brew. 

You've worked with Paradox Coffee + Design, a resident at one of our sister sites, Netil Market. Why did you work with the team and how have they made your concept a reality?

Paradox Coffee has always been our favourite coffee spot in London since we moved here five years ago. After knowing Zain and Kate in person and it has been a pleasure witnessing them creating something precious in the London coffee scene. Zain not just serves the top quality coffee but also has great knowledge in space design and woodcraft. Plus, Zain has understanding of low budget small business and always being creative and resourceful for the shops he designs. They are genuine and passionate about involving everyone in the coffee scene and growing together in a healthy, friendly way. At the end of the day, we all want genuine connection behind the cup of coffee. 

Why did you choose Lockside as the space to start building Simmos?

We found Lockside Studios by coincidence. We had been looking for the ideal shop for Simmos Coffee for more than six months and none of the spots we viewed met our expectations. One afternoon, I went to help my friend Yulya with her sculpture moulding in her space at Hackney Down Studio. We were having a break outside the studio in the yard, having a coffee from Brunswick East, she speaks highly of the studios and I was intrigued to have a look on their website. After knowing Netil Market is also part of Eat Work Art as well as other sites across London, we saw the cafe space to let in the new built Lockside Studios. We spoke to the team through email and immediately decided to summit our application for the space. After viewing the place and meeting the team, we were so happy with the space and feel our vision can be realised here. And Voila, now we will soon be in the space and launch Simmos!

You can keep up to date with updates from Simmos here.