Brief:
Story Events were tasked with transforming the West Handyside Canopy outside of the Kings Cross Waitrose store into a Japanese-inspired oasis for Waitrose’s latest launch, Japan Menyū. The brief consisted of transforming the space with theming and decor, to source street food stations with the tailored equipment for the chefs to present live demonstrations, feature branding, provide waiting staff and sustainable serveware, and most importantly create a unique guest experience.
Delivery:
Keeping in mind the new range’s tool kit, we had the vision, and following site visits and gaining approval from Kings Cross Estate Management, we were full steam ahead! Our Production Manager drew up visual mock-ups of the space to ensure every detail was considered.
Story Events sourced street food stations for the Waitrose chefs to showcase some incredible live cooking. We provided fencing to create a private area outside the store front, a cocktail bar, themed furniture, ambient festoon lighting, and beautiful cherry blossom trees to dress the space.
The wooden food stations were situated throughout the site, adorned with red, black and white branding panels as well as images of the delicious new Menyū food range. The furniture was elegant, allowing for guests to sit and enjoy the different types of food throughout the evening.
Once guests had checked-in by the lovely Waitrose team, they made their way to the House of Suntory cocktail bar and were offered a variety of cocktails and mocktails using Japanese spirits.
Waitrose Development Chefs prepared the evening’s culinary delights at each of the food stalls, offering dishes from the new range. From katsu curry bowls, to steamed buns and even a sushi conveyor belt, sourced by Story, offering mouthwatering Japanese-inspired small bites.
The format of the evening allowed guests to roam and try the different types of food at their leisure, as well as sample the newest Little Moons mochi flavour, popcorn!
Story Events provided an origami artist to teach guests how to make their own origami art which they could take home as a keepsake. This added an interactive element to the event, allowing attendees to engage with Japanese culture firsthand.
Both the food and drink were well received by all guests, and products from the Waitrose Japan Menyū range are now available at your nearest Waitrose shop.
Result:
“Thank YOU! You guys are fab and we wouldn’t be able to do it without you. The space looked brilliant with so many guests saying how much they loved the look and feel.” Waitrose client
Photos taken by: Philip Panting
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