A one-of-a-kind, ambitious venue in the heart of Hampstead. 

Client-led transformation of an existing pottery into an integrated café, bookshop and puppet theatre. The design maximises the space through an efficient layout of services and achieves high levels of occupant comfort all while respecting the French style of the interiors.

Nestled in the corner of a busy residential street in Hampstead conservation area, this “tiny space with big ambitions” was designed for mixed use across its two floors. The ground level houses café, bookshop, ticket office, toilets and kitchen, where crepes are freshly prepared. Below, the basement accommodates a technical studio for puppet making, a green room, props store and the main theatre. The owners, driven by their heritage, led the refurbishment, infusing the space with a distinctive French charm.

Skelly and Couch undertook full M&E duties. The building’s limited size and location restricted external plant, requiring an extremely effective layout of the services. Located within a residential development and beneath a maisonette, consideration of acoustics was essential.

A careful design solution was required to ensure adequate extract from the small crepe kitchen to the rear of the cafe. In the main theatre, ventilation is supplied through the floor, maximising the space available. The system delivers air at slow speeds and operates with heat recovery, increasing comfort while reducing running costs and carbon emissions.  

Effective access control coupled with great care over fire safety safeguarded occupant welfare while balancing both secure back-of-house areas and public spaces. A deep understanding of how the building would operate was crucial—for example, restricting access to the main theatre outside showtimes while keeping the bookshop, café, and customer toilets open to the public. To ensure safety without compromising aesthetics, fire panels and emergency lights were discreetly integrated, and lantern-inspired light fittings were sourced.

Showcasing its French roots, this unique theatre integrates efficient plant design with strategies that support its diverse compact spaces while strengthening community ties.

Awards

2025 - Theatre Building of The Year, Stage Awards