Purpose built as a tea room and milk depot for the Express Dairy in 1900, KDPA wanted to restore the key architectural features including a signature archway over the former depot entrance with a succinct glazed screen infilling the opening.

With the same restoration approach to the façade of the former tea room the key essence of this unique building was then represented to the high street, with a remodelled front terrace garden setting the scene.

It was important to KDPA that the interior reflect the quirky character of the building and so an eclectic, playful scheme was developed seamlessly merging reclaimed, vintage items with the raw fabric of the structure leaving one guessing at what was original and what had been added.

The main intervention is to be found on the first floor, where a complete new mansard roof space replaces the original roof. Two atrium spaces have been created, allowing a prominent visual link to the upper floor, whilst new roof lights facilitate natural light into the deep plan.

For the interior KDPA wanted to produce a raw, honest look that reflected the heritage of the building & the locality. The spatial arrangement would also entertain as people explored the various levels and spaces of the old tea room and milk depot. Much of the original building fabric was retained and supplemented with reclamation pieces seamlessly blending with the structure.

A winter garden towards the rear leads out onto a new terrace and basement garden, occupying the former depot yard. Wrapped in the original fabric, extensive planting, enhance the courtyard garden. Humour carries through where a reclaimed milk float bar and a carefully crafted timber cow sculpture, hint at the sites history. Reclaimed and natural materials combine to present the garden alongside its colourful heritage.