In the heart of Oxfordshire countryside, London-based design studio Kitesgrove has designed a new shop and café for the second location of The Cotswold Guy in Gaginwell. Continuing the collaborative partnership between Kitesgrove and The Cotswold Guy founder, chef Christopher Davey, the studio has brought the same thoughtful, pared-back approach to the design as it did for the original Guiting Power store.
The Cotswold Guy is a bespoke food service company that specialises in British classics, sourcing and preparing food from the finest local and British producers. It has established a loyal following of clients including David and Victoria Beckham, Zara and Mike Tindall, and Liv Tyler , thanks to Davey’s passion for fine food, and its continued success has naturally led to the expansion into a second location.
The new site occupies a café as well as a shop, designed in a residential farmhouse style to create an interior that feels authentic and welcoming. Kitesgrove’s design focuses on natural materials and a selection of antique and vintage furniture, complemented by a colour palette of soft neutrals for a pared-back scheme. The introduction of thoughtful details such as the handmade crockery by local ceramicist Sue Pryke provides an understated and relaxed environment, ideal for enjoying food and company in an intimate setting, or hosting larger events.
Kitesgrove wanted to create an elevated and immersive shopping experience that guides customers through the selection of fresh produce as well as providing an inviting and comfortable place to spend time enjoying it. Visitors are welcomed by a selection of locally sourced vegetables, a meat and dairy counter, a deli stocked with pastries and salads, rotisserie chickens prepared on-site, and The Cotswold Guy’s signature sausage rolls, all displayed on bespoke waney edge timber counters for a rustic and textured feel. In order to provide everything you might need in one space, the new location also features a wine shop and a selection of gifts such as candles which are handmade locally.
Adding a contemporary touch to the space, the bathroom and corridor are lined with the muted pink Quad encaustic tiles designed by Kitesgrove for Bert & May, introducing refined pattern and a hint of colour that pairs beautifully with the sophisticated earthy tones and rich wooden features seen throughout the rest of the space.
Clara Ewart, Head of Design at Kitesgrove, says: “The first location of The Cotswold Guy was our first non-residential project, and we’re delighted that Chris chose us again to design the interior of his new location. We wanted to incorporate the same attention to detail and authentic design as the original store so that both locations felt cohesive, while still creating an interior that feels special and unique. Prioritising natural materials, vintage pieces and handmade touches has created a welcoming space that feels akin to a residential environment.’
Christopher Davey, Founder of The Cotswold Guy, says: “Kitesgrove perfectly captured my desire to create an inspiring space that puts good food front and centre, and I knew they would be able create another unique space that offered the same customer experience that they implemented with their first design. I wanted the new location to translate my passion for and love of fine food through genuine design, and offer visitors the opportunity to sit down and enjoy the quality produce they’ve come to expect from The Cotswold Guy.”
