Arcade Bakery in New York City by Workstead

Peering down the elegant hallway of the Merchant’s Square Building in TriBeCa, you could easily miss Arcade Bakery. Designed by Brooklyn based studio Workstead, this well crafted patisserie has New Yorkers clambering to get their hands on some delectable baked goods. And that classy fit out? Downright delicious.

When famed owner and baker Roger Gural opened Arcade Bakery, he wanted to focus on doing a few things really well. The same seems true of the bakery design which incorporates a few elements to create a sophisticated space that exudes old world charm. As a self confessed foodie (I know, I’m tragically one of those…) I could easily lose myself in the artisanal bread, pastries and pizzas that he serves up each day. But the design-lover in me is trumping my belly in this instance as I fawn over the rich mahogany, fine brass details and custom lighting.

The 1920s office building houses the fully functioning bakery, retail window and informal seating. Sloping floors ruled out traditional chairs and tables so old glazed display windows were replaced with seating nooks that are redressed in gorgeous mahogany hardwood. The warmth of the timber embraces you while the curved details reference the existing vaulted ceiling above.

Built into these alcoves are fold down tables of various shapes and sizes that allow for leisurely lunches or quick coffees on the way to work. These tables rest on solid brass bars when open and can be secured with delicate brass hardware when closed. Something special happens when conventional seats and tables are removed; people tend to inhabit space in way that feels comfortable and intuitive. Some may cuddle up to a corner while others dangle their legs over the edge with a book and baguette. Although the bakery could seat around 20 people, the informal feasting options are endless.

Workstead design and fabricate some of the coolest lighting pieces around and for Arcade Bakery 18 custom brass sconces line the walls of the alcoves. In terms of display, baked goods are exhibited like artworks within brass-rimmed cases or stacked on the large carved Art Nouveau cabinet behind. What a clever and captivating design. Bon appétit!