Cantilever: In The Mix June

All the latest news from our design studio.

What’s New - Cantilever Take on Amsterdam

With a number of exciting projects bubbling away, it’s always invaluable for us to get on site and experience the spaces in person.

This recent trip gave us the chance to walk through each venue with the client, understand how the spaces connect, and discuss key operational needs in real time. There’s only so much you can capture on drawings and in video calls - being physically present brings a different level of insight. It helps us notice the small things: line of site, flow through the space, and those subtle pinch-points that only become clear when you’re standing there. These are the details that shape great service.

What we always find fascinating is how bar operations vary between countries. From service styles and customer expectations to equipment preferences and back-of-house flow, no two regions are quite the same. These cultural and operational differences are never obstacles - they’re opportunities. We love diving into the specifics, asking the right questions, and adapting our design approach to support what works best in each location.

It’s in those operational conversations - about everything from fridge layouts to staff routines - that the magic starts to happen. When we can collaborate closely with operators on-site, we’re able to shape environments that don’t just look beautiful, but truly work day in, day out.

This project is something special, and we can’t wait to share more soon!
 
Topic Of The Month - Better Bars for your Beer!

Yes, that’s right. The beer isn’t the problem - your setup might be.

Warm pours, inconsistent quality, limited stock, and no room to grow your offer are all issues we see time and again. More often than not, the beer itself isn’t to blame - it’s the setup behind the scenes.

Beer logistics are too often an afterthought, great draught takes real planning. Kegs need far longer to chill than most realise. Cold stores require space, ventilation, drainage, and precise temperature control. Pipe runs need to be considered, accessible, and efficient. Miss those fundamentals, and you’ll feel it in every pour.

At Cantilever, we design bar systems and cellars with performance and longevity in mind. We take the time to understand your operation, how you serve, and where you’re headed - then create a setup that supports both the now and the next. Whether you're working with a full cellar or a tight underbar, we find smart, space-conscious ways to serve great beer every time.

Remote dispense, high-efficiency chillers, compact keg storage - there are plenty of intelligent solutions that allow you to deliver perfect pints, even in challenging spaces.

It’s all about matching the right tools to your needs, because your front-of-house offer is only ever as good as your back-of-house setup.

So even if your current beer range is small, we can build a system that’s ready to grow with you.

Project Focus - Thirteen & Dial 8 - Chateau Denmark

Quite possibly one of the coolest venues we’ve ever installed a bar in - and with the awards to prove it. Chateau Denmark brings baroque elegance and gothic charm to the heart of Soho, paying homage to the neighbourhood’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.

This space is more than just looks. It was designed to perform.

Working closely with Darren Grapes, we developed an underbar setup that delivers both speed and style. Every detail was considered to support the bartender - creating a space that flows effortlessly in service, while elevating the guest experience at every touchpoint.

From the functional layout to unique features like champagne ice buckets integrated into the bartop, this bar is a masterclass in balancing theatre and practicality.

Here’s what our Director Lottie had to say about the project:

“Working on both ThirteenLDN and Dial8, under the Chateau Denmark project will always be remembered as a favourite of mine.

It had a great group of companies involved such as Grapes Design and Caw Ventures. Everyone had a real passion to create a unique bar design and hospitality experience for the guests.

ThirteenLDN is a true cocktail bar through and through, letting our designers here at Cantilever bring their real expertise to the project. Dial8 however has a real WOW factor! A 100% bespoke, curved cocktail bar, showing off exactly what we can do for our clients.”