An Ode To The Art Of Good Everyday Living
There is a coffee place in Marylebone which people talk about, so I had to check it out and here I am. The place is small, but carefully executed, with an immediate flair of warmth and comfort and despite a very pragmatic setting it feels personal. Why is this? It must be the quality of execution and craftsmanship down to every detail which I discover once settled on a high stool by the window. The place oozes comfort and a sense of familiarity. I was hooked to investigate why it was so attractive to me. And then I remembered, it reminded me of childhood travels in the sleeper trains through the night from the South of Sweden along the endless coast up to the boats heading through the archipelago for Finland.
The confined space of the train always felt exciting with a special atmosphere of mystery and adventure. The panelled walls, the brass details, cute wash basin, beautifully shaped hooks and holders, the special water carafe, the light blue blankets against the amber coloured wood, it was an adventure one knew would be marvellous because it all looked so perfect. Everything in the space was made to proportion, fitting snuggly, looking polished and proud. These spaces gave a cosy, reassuring feeling of welcome which must have been because of their quality and minutely executed details, all placed perfectly, making it serve and perform to perfection.
And now I am at BOXCAR, a space evoking these memories which I allow myself to revel in, remembering their care and flare.
It strikes me as unusual that so much attention has been given in fitting out a simple coffee place where every detail has been taken into account, down to the framing of the ventilation. The perfect execution of the panelling alone says it all, clearly signalling the integrity of the owner and concept at large.
This is a simple eatery, communicating that everyday counts. The detailed choice of materials for the interior, the marble, brass, copper, the colours for the space and how minutely all has been thought through, joined and finished, oozes care and makes me feel welcome and appreciated. The big smiles from the staff, their uniform, the great produce of fabulous coffees and cakes and delicious lunches, all making it into a place one never wants to leave.
This was a long introduction, just could not help myself. I am meeting Nick, the manager of BOXCAR. When pointing out the exact joinery work (good craftsmanship gives that kick…..) Nick says: "the quality of the finish is part of the whole, touching the essence of what the company stands for. Some people notice it some not, for those who do, it is enthralling but also benefits those who do not see it, they will still be touched by it on some unconscious level and that is enough. We simply love great quality in all aspects of life and this is something we like to share". As someone passionately believing quality makes all the difference to our everyday, I find it refreshing to find such values executed so clearly and convincingly.
The standard of materials chosen for the interiors with its craftsmanship, the exact execution of every detail, appeals not only to the eye but all senses, evoking a feeling of trust. This is all for the human experience, signalling one is well taken care of and ultimately the customer matters most. The interiors have been designed in-house by an employee who initially worked as a waitress but had great skill and talent for space, wanting to prove herself, why company gave her the opportunity to express her ideas. Even though the interior was at large a collective effort, as it always is, that person was leading the way. BOXCAR believes in a flat line management set up where everybody is welcome to contribute ideas. It becomes an environment of unity and oneness which as Nick says, is essential for moving forward successfully. The Scandinavian angle of the interior came naturally, the proportions of that style are best suited for the limited space and fit the concept well. All furniture is bespoke, made by ‘Other Spaces’.
I chat with the staff, advising me on the food and order a chicken sandwich. Was it that I knew the chicken had lived a worthy life that made it taste so good or was it the surrounding that made me like it so much? Never mind, all I know is, I am happy sitting here enjoying it. As Nick says, the company tries to source all food from organic producers. The milk comes from a small dairy in Guernsey, all bread is baked in-house. He says: “it has to be happy food, why would we otherwise want it….”. The minute execution of all interior detail together with the organic food show integrity and respect both for the environment, the producers and the customer.
The owners could easily have chosen a much more cost cutting fit out with much less attention to detail, still keeping the organic label for the food, still be successful, after all it is just a small café, not a prestigious restaurant. However, the road to holistic integrity, down to the last nail was chosen with care and pays off. It truly stands out because of its vibe, the feel good is in the air. The business is thriving, there are not enough seats.
Nick says: "we wanted to create an environment with great detail, so the customer has a holistic experience where every part matters. It all does something to the eye, evoking a certain sense of quality on all levels of perception". The finished quality of the details make it a better experience, down to the thin burgundy line joining the white and dark green wall colour, reminding of an early 1920 modernist Bauhaus flair. A time when the attempt for social awareness was expressed in architecture and design. Such a small detail but poignant, the whole thing is just utterly charming. It all ties together down to the copper spoons, corresponding with the brass and copper details of the furniture and wall fittings. The space is truly crafted to be enjoyed by people, which ultimately sums up the strive to promote happiness, signalling true value through small details of care.
From a business point of view: any monkey can start a business, that is not the difficult part, but upholding standards, keeping enthusiasm in the everyday, that is the challenging part. Ultimately we all like to be seen and taken care of. We all have the same needs, so let’s start by focusing on quality in everything we do and life will be much easier for all. Let quality be our legacy and our efforts will be worthwhile. Love your everyday, enjoy life.
