Mana Espresso | And Then Design

Mana Espresso is a speciality coffee shop in Aix-en-Provence, France, serving coffee from roasters across Europe and fresh vegan lunches. Mana has been named after the owners (Benjamin and Alex) experience a pack of Lions roaming around there tents in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe.

And Then Design wanted to create a contemporary, relaxed environment that paid homage to the history uncovered behind the previous shop facade. A few inches a plaster revealed inscriptions of 1901 and 1887 which have been kept along with a section of brick wall and original floor tiles. The clean lines and materials of the furniture and bar contrast, yet compliment the history of the building.

Mana Espresso
The golden yellow of the lion logo has been continued on the Flora lights, bespoke shelves and menu display. This is complimented by a pastel sky blue used on the Etienne chairs and mid grey of the bespoke tables and benches. Within the small space the very functional bar houses all the necessary equipment, whilst working harmoniously for the baristas behind. The Espresso bar at the front will soon be clad with copper along with bar top to give an industrial touch to the architectural form. This will oxidize over time into a muted green and golden pattern, sitting on top of the oak clad bar front.

Mana Espresso
A pair of re-claimed timber doors from a nearby Chateau were used for the storage space and choice selection of vintage road maps pasted on the bathroom walls, all with relevance to the couples adventures. These ideas, along with a few others enabled And Then Design to complete the project for a modest budget.

And Then Design were involved in the project from start to finish; producing concept presentations, Interior concept design, designing and manufacturing all the bespoke furniture and fittings, managing the project and completing the Installation.