Luxury New Zealand appliance brand Fisher & Paykel is preparing to open its experience centre on Wigmore Street, London, in early 2024.

Following updates to the project in late 2023, the official opening will see the launch of the first Fisher & Paykel Experience Centre in Europe.

Chief operating officer for Fisher & Paykel UK, Ireland & Europe Stephen Rickersey commented: “Often referred to as the design capital of the world, London will very shortly be home to the first Fisher & Paykel Experience Centre in Europe.

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“It is both an honour and privilege to be able to bring the rich and immersive culture of New Zealand to our market as we take the next step to support our ambitious business plans in the UK and beyond.”

The London Experience Centre, located at 98 Wigmore Street, aims to grow the brand’s presence in the UK, inspire and support professional audiences with experiences that capture the essence of Fisher & Paykel.

Designed in collaboration between Brinkworth, bespoke cabinet maker Jacob Alexander, Fisher & Paykel’s experience design team, and Alt Group, it forms part of the company’s global rollout of experience centres.

“We design some of the best appliances in the world”, said Fisher & Paykel CEO Daniel Witten-Hannah.

“We wanted to demonstrate the potential of our products in the world’s best kitchens, and through creative collaboration with Brinkworth and Jacob Alexander, that is what these represent.”

The space has been created to reflect the brand’s ‘Designed in New Zealand’ ethos, which prioritises architecture with meaningful connections to place and respectful of culture, history and materials.

Brinkworth has brought the concept to life with elm, inspired by site’s proximity to three of London’s famous green spaces; Portland stone used in grand London buildings, and deep brown glazed tiles, echoing the subterranean network of brick-clad waterways that intersect the site.

Key spaces within the Experience Centre include a Minimal Kitchen, showcasing how integrated appliances can elevate a utilitarian space into a living area and Apartment Kitchen to demonstrate luxury isn’t defined by size.

While the Fabric Care Solutions space shows how Fisher & Paykel has evolved the concept of laundry to encompass fibre-specific, tailored fabric care.

At the heart of the London Experience Centre is The Social Kitchen and dining space for 10.

In this subterranean space, inhouse chefs will lead Mastery of Temperature culinary experiences, bringing to life the insights behind the brand’s approach to food care and cooking.

“Throughout the London Experience Centre, every interaction has been crafted to resonate with who we are and every physical element is carefully considered — from the offering of kawakawa tea upon entry, to the descent of a discreet sculptural spiral stair into a luxurious vaulted space.

“A hidden kitchen, where guests are welcomed by a bowler-hatted sculpture by Michael Parekōwhai, New Zealand’s foremost living artist,” said Witten-Hannah.

In advance of its full opening in early 2024, Fisher & Paykel is welcoming bookings for Master of Temperature culinary experiences and guided tours of the new space.