Coffee Shop/Listening Bar

A design study exploring the future of a neighbourhood coffee shop through music, hospitality and a more flexible use of space. The Rugged Bunch is an established coffee shop in Islington, known locally for its relaxed atmosphere, hospitality and increasingly infamous toasties. STÜDYO.STUDIO was invited to undertake an open-ended design study, exploring new possibilities for the existing space and considering how the business could evolve in the future.

Rather than beginning with a predetermined design brief, the project started with the people behind the business. Research into the owners’ backgrounds, interests and relationship with music, coffee and hospitality helped inform a concept that built upon the character already present within The Rugged Bunch. The resulting proposal reimagined the space as a listening coffee shop: a venue that could operate as a neighbourhood café during the day before transitioning into a more music-led hospitality space in the evening.

Music as the Centre of the Space The central concept was to introduce music as a defining part of the customer experience. A DJ booth, integrated sound system and vinyl collection were positioned as the focal point of the interior. Due to the unusual geometry of the entrance, with the front door sitting at an angle to the otherwise square footprint, this installation becomes one of the first things visitors encounter when entering the space. Rather than separating the music element from the café, the proposal brings the two together. A large semi-circular communal table extends from the front of the DJ area, allowing customers to sit with a coffee, share food and experience the music from the centre of the room.

Reworking the Existing Layout The existing arrangement separated food preparation and coffee service, effectively dividing the compact interior into two distinct working areas; the proposed layout brings these functions together. The kitchen was consolidated towards the rear of the premises, with the coffee-making and service area positioned alongside it. A connecting hatch allows food to move efficiently between preparation and service, improving the operational flow while freeing up valuable space within the main customer area. This reorganisation creates room for the listening experience without increasing the footprint of the premises. Additional storage was introduced behind the DJ installation, providing space for equipment and long-term storage without compromising the main customer area.

Day Into Night While the space continues to function as a coffee shop, the design was developed with a more flexible future in mind. The Rugged Bunch already holds an alcohol licence, creating an opportunity to extend its opening hours and introduce a late-evening offer. The proposed space could transition from daytime coffee into an evening environment serving snacks, drinks and a programme of music-led events. The intention was not to create a traditional bar, but to explore a softer crossover between café culture, hospitality and music. A place where customers might visit for a morning coffee, an afternoon work session, and eventually spend an evening listening to records with friends.

Designing Around What Already Exists The material palette intentionally builds upon the existing character of The Rugged Bunch. Plywood surfaces, painted walls and deliberately rough, unfinished details were retained as the foundation of the proposal. Rather than introducing an overly polished or luxurious aesthetic, the design embraces the informality and warmth already associated with the business.

Supporting Future Growth Alongside the physical redesign, the study also considered opportunities to expand the business operationally. The Rugged Bunch’s cheese toasties have developed a strong local reputation, creating potential for a dedicated delivery offer through platforms such as Uber Eats and Deliveroo. The premises benefits from separate side access to the kitchen, and the proposal introduced a dedicated collection and delivery hatch. This would allow delivery drivers to collect orders without entering the main café, reducing disruption to customers and staff while creating a more efficient workflow.