Lumsden Designs Arbour Food Hall and Arriba

London-based experience design studio Lumsden has unveiled its interior designs for two new hospitality venues at the redeveloped Olympia London. The studio was appointed by operator Incipio Group in 2024 to design the Arbour food hall and the Arriba rooftop bar, both forming part of the £1.3 billion transformation of the West Kensington site.

Arbour: A Transformative Food Hall

Located on Level 2, Arbour is designed as a dynamic food hall that changes from day to night. Lumsden's design centres on a series of bespoke, illuminated column sculptures created with collaborators Creator, Candra Lighting, and Middlesex AV. Inspired by organic forms, these mushroom-like structures use layered, draped fabric to create an immersive identity. Programmable lighting allows the atmosphere to shift throughout the day.

Sophie Rhodes, Senior Designer at Lumsden, stated that Incipio's brief was for a fresh, contemporary design that meets culinary innovation. The design uses large-scale curved forms to create softness. A warm, natural material palette is accented with colour, reflecting both the Arbour brand and the diverse food concepts inside.

The material selection includes endgrain timber flooring, limewashed walls, and terracotta tiles. Bespoke upholstery with richly textured fabrics continues the botanical theme. Olivia Burns, Head of Brand at Incipio, said the goal was a welcoming, adaptable space that transitions effortlessly from morning coffee to evening unwinding. Lumsden developed an open, light-filled design celebrating natural textures.

Arbour hosts four Incipio Group food and beverage concepts:

A central destination bar also serves the wider hall.

Arriba: Rooftop Destination with Mexican Inspiration

Directly connected to Arbour by a deep red slatted staircase, Arriba occupies Olympia's rooftop terrace. Originally conceived as an extension of the food hall, it developed its own identity. Inspired by contemporary Mexican dining, the venue combines tacos, margaritas, and panoramic London views.

Olivia Burns of Incipio said the design was inspired by the warmth, energy, and colours of Mexico. It uses rich reds, lush greens, and neutral-toned tiles. Organic forms and soft, flowing shapes are woven throughout, adding movement and warmth.

The design language from Arbour continues upstairs. Bespoke banquette seating and a dramatic, partially retractable fabric canopy above the central bar reinforce the connection. This canopy, like the columns below, uses changing coloured lighting to transform the atmosphere. The palette is more vibrant, with contrasting upholstery and layered textures. Seating includes high-top tables, stools, and comfy lounge seating.

A series of bespoke, petal-inspired banquettes fabricated by Creator appear to grow from the ground. Made from FRP (glass reinforced plastic) and finished in Jesmonite, they seat 8-10 people and have a stone-like appearance. Extensive planting by landscape specialists Outsiders creates a lush environment beneath Heatherwick Studio's glass canopy.

Sophie Rhodes noted that Arriba became an elevated version of the Arbour concept, with a distinct and exciting atmosphere. James Dwyer, Creative Director and Owner of Lumsden, said it was an honour to work with Incipio on this milestone, helping to redefine the historic Olympia as a place to gather. The design aimed to create vibrant, immersive spaces that offer moments of escapism. Rory Graham, Marketing & Brand Director at Incipio Group, credited the partnership with Lumsden for turning the ambition for the venues into a reality that delivers day after day.