Following the successful delivery of Fortnum & Mason’s new jewellery department, Datum was appointed to fit-out the new Whisky and Spirits department in the Food Hall, situated on the lower ground floor.

The renowned whisky and spirits department is stocked with some of the finest whiskies, cognacs and spirits from across the globe, all selected by Fortnum & Mason’s buyers.

Working closely with CADA Design Group, who created concepts for the new department, Datum had to deliver a very high quality scheme — appropriate for this high-end, iconic retailer — to a very tight timeframe to ensure that the new department was ready for the important Christmas trading season.

The Whisky and Spirits department features a range of free-standing and perimeter merchandising units, made in bronze powder-coated metalwork, oak and glass, with LED lighting. The premium whiskies are displayed on bespoke-designed wall units made from walnut and patinated bronze with 19mm low-iron glass shelving, set in a stunning circular room. The displays are illuminated using specially-designed LED lightboxes that emit a perfectly even light across the wall panels, which prevents any shadows that can often occur. 

The focal point for the area for the finest whiskies and tasting a feature coloured glass chandelier; directly underneath is an imposing circular bespoke-designed walnut and bronze table displaying a single bottle of an exclusive whisky.  

Datum was also appointed to simultaneously carry out 3 smaller satellite projects (to be featured in the next issue) in the ground floor Food Hall, including new bespoke-designed merchandising displays for a new condiments section; a new point-of-sale and queuing system. They also created a new eye-catching gondola to display Fortnum and Mason’s own brand of luxury chocolates; the high quality finishes include polished mahogany and patinated brass — completed with a feature glass dome.

Commenting on these new projects David Round, a director at Datum, said: “We were delighted to have been invited back to work with this prestigious retailer and to be working again with CADA Design Group. Despite a very challenging programme the project was completed on time to an uncompromising level of quality. I think everyone was absolutely delighted with the result and at Datum everyone who worked on this project did themselves proud.”