M&S Kitchen is Marks & Spencer's latest market-expanding venture, which will build on its established reputation for good food. The new standalone brasserie-style eatery is designed to attract evening trade, staying open till 8.30pm and will also offer an ‘express' take-way service. The first trial outlet, prior to a national roll-out, recently opened in Canterbury with lighting design by LAPD. The lighting brief was to create an exciting and relaxing environment that could be flexible enough to cope with being sited alongside an existing store. The energy efficiency of the overall lighting scheme was also a big consideration and as the estimated customer occupancy period will be longer than a café, and briefer than a restaurant, the light levels had to be flexible and reflect this.
The general lighting is provided by Concord:marlin LED 150-TE, 2 x 26W dimmable compact fluorescent downlights. The 1-10v dimmable electronic gear, combined with fluorescent lamps, provides M&S with a backdrop of energy efficiency lighting and the required ability to vary light levels in the foodhall for different times of the day. Cool crisps 4000K lamps blend in with the foodhall and create a distinction between the warmer 2700k accent lighting above the counter and displays. The downlights are mounted in symmetrical rows and are fitted with a wipe clean IP44 cover, for improved maintenance. The simple white bezel option blends in with the ceiling and the overall clean, open feel of the new M&S Kitchen design.
