Blending brands and spaces: Delivering EL&N cafés for Harrods’ H Beauty

Creating a space where two strong brands can coexist is always an exciting challenge. Over the past year, our team at Kendall Kingscott has partnered with Harrods and EL&N to bring new café experiences to life within H Beauty stores - first in Glasgow, and then in Chester. These projects have tested our design agility, technical expertise and ability to deliver at pace.

Aligning two distinct identities

Harrods and EL&N each have strong identities, operational needs and customer expectations. Our role was to support the seamless blending of these into a single offer within a retail environment that was already trading.

This meant:

• Protecting Harrods and EL&N’s recognisable brand aesthetic

• Meeting Harrods’ technical and operational standards

• Ensuring full building and mall compliance

• Achieving harmony with the surrounding H Beauty store

Balancing the needs of both unique client bodies was key to the successful delivery of this project.

From concept to build

For Glasgow, an initial design had been created but required refinement to become buildable, compliant and cost effective. Our team stepped in to:

• Rework materials and finishes to meet fire, safety and durability requirements

• Source alternatives that preserved design intent while fitting budgets

• Redesign key features, including the bar area and mirrored backdrop

• Coordinate construction within a live retail store

All this took place while maintaining customer flow, access to fire routes and supporting a live retail programme. Despite the fast pace, the final café aligns beautifully with our initial design concept.

EL&N in Chester

Following Glasgow’s success, the second phase of the partnership was H Beauty in Chester, where we were tasked with translating the established Glasgow aesthetic into a listed building with very different spatial characteristics. The Chester site was more compact and with significantly lower ceilings, so required a sensitive, design‑led approach to maintain brand consistency while embracing the unique qualities of the building.

To create an intimate yet visually rich experience, we carefully reconsidered elevations, seating layouts, and spatial coordination. Every decision supported efficient operation within a reduced footprint, without compromising the signature EL&N London atmosphere.

A collaborative achievement

These projects highlight how strong design, clear communication and thoughtful coordination can elevate retail and hospitality spaces.

Huge thanks to Harrods, EL&N and our Kendall Kingscott 1 Team, especially Ellie for leading detail design and compliance