A grilled cheese & sandwich hotspot

Toast Office | Interior Design

Explore Case Study

Following its roaring success during lockdown, Toast Office, a grilled cheese & sandwich hotspot, is making its return in a permanent home on Hill Street, right in the heart of Belfast’s vibrant Cathedral Quarter.

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With its cheeky, postal inspired design, the space draws from the quirky, whimsical world of Wes Anderson, infusing the space with a playful charm that’s hard to ignore.

The original pop-up design of Toast Office was a clever twist on a modern postal box, defined by bold linear lines and a striking red colour scheme. For the new, permanent home, these signature elements remain intact, while the design evolves with the addition of warm timber accents, antique brass touches, and patterned upholstery that adds a dose of cosy without losing the brand’s playful personality. The mix of new and nostalgic elements creates an inviting atmosphere - effortlessly fun yet sophisticated.

Maximising space

The biggest design challenge? Making sure the service was efficient. As a fast-casual concept, Toast Office serves both sit-in and takeaway customers, so the space needed to flow seamlessly. To address this, the kitchen was positioned toward the rear of the space, creating distinct areas for ordering, pickup, and eating in. This clever layout ensures the space can accommodate high customer turnover while maintaining a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Crafting the concept

The iconic post box has been reimagined along the back wall with whimsical apertures that bring the spirit of the original pop-up design into the permanent space. These playful cutouts serve both function and flair. Warm timber communal tables and bench seating add a cosy, inviting touch, while antique brass details and patterned upholstery evoke the timeless charm of vintage post offices.

The overall palette is a mash-up of old-school and new-school. Contemporary slatted red timber is layered against rich, rustic dark woods, while antique brass and mottled glass add a hint of refinement. Gold-gilded branding finishes the look, bringing a dash of light luxury to the space. This material mix strikes the perfect balance between fresh and timeless, just like the brand itself.