How we implement UK hospitality concepts on an international scale
The UK hospitality industry is well known for its innovation, rich heritage, and ability to craft memorable guest experiences. But how can British brands translate these concepts when expanding into international markets?
In this blog post, we’ll explore how we take the UK hospitality concepts we’ve developed in-house and successfully adapt them for global expansion.
From refining brand identity for scalable growth, to understanding a client’s vision for expansion, we approach every project with a meticulous eye for detail. We analyse what’s working and what isn’t, using initial sites as proof of concept to ensure a solid foundation for future success. Our process bridges the gap between local culture and the essence of a UK-born concept, by focusing on space planning, design detailing, and the nuances of brand language.
F1 Arcade London Main Bar - Image Credit: Ian Wallman
Get to know people and cultures
One of the key factors in successfully expanding UK hospitality concepts internationally is understanding and respecting cultural differences. Everything from guests’ expectations, dining habits, and social behaviours can vary widely from country to country. In UK cities, guests are often more open to sharing tables and communal dining, while in the US, personal space is prioritised, meaning smaller tables and flexible seating arrangements are essential. In the Middle East, hospitality venues cater to larger families and groups coming together, with fewer high tables and a greater emphasis on group dining experiences.
To ensure a seamless adaptation of any concept, our team conducts in-depth research and maintains open communication with the client and their team at every stage. We scout locations, observe how people socialise in hospitality venues, and consult with local architects and industry experts. This holistic approach allows us to tailor each concept to the local market, ensuring it feels authentic to a new audience while preserving the brand’s core values.
Our team at Anamo Design Studio has successfully applied this approach through extensive research in the Middle East, USA and Europe for brands such as F1 Arcade and Puttshack. Each location we design seamlessly aligns with its surroundings, ensuring the best cultural fit and commercial viability.
Puttshack Oakbrook Chicago Bar - Image Credit: Anamo Design Studio
Puttshack Watford Reception - Image Credit: Alistair Veryard
Staying true to the brand
While it is important to tailor your design to the specific location, any brand wants to maintain a strong identity across its venues. This begins with defining and continuously refining a distinct design language that captures the brand’s essence. For this reason, we deliberately avoid trends and resist drawing inspiration from existing designs.
Each concept is approached from a completely fresh, abstract standpoint, which allows us to craft environments that are original and deeply rooted in the unique narrative and character of the brand. We focus on ownable design elements, such as signature millwork, finishes, and lighting that become non-negotiable features and ensure a consistent brand presence across all locations.
Beyond these foundational elements, many design aspects, often the most visually dominant, are tailored by our team to suit the local market, maintaining cultural relevance. Space planning, too, is adapted based on regional preferences, whether that means fostering a communal dining experience in one market or prioritising privacy in another. We always make these adjustments without compromising the brand’s signature look and feel.
By thoughtfully considering how people interact with a space, we create environments that feel both familiar and intuitive, while still staying true to the brand’s identity. A great example is our continuous partnership with F1 Arcade, a brand currently growing internationally across 10 unique locations. Each F1 Arcade venue across the globe has a distinct character but is rooted in the same design language defined by ‘starting light’ dividers, circuit-inspired chandeliers, and pit stop iconography.
F1 Arcade Boston High Table Seating Area - Image Credit: Ian Wallman
F1 Arcade DC Private Bar - Image Credit: Ian Wallman
Sustainability and supporting local economies
Many expansions lose their essence in new markets. We take a meticulous approach to scale designs up or down without compromising identity.
We source materials such as wallpapers, fabrics, and tiles from the same continent as the site, with a significant percentage coming from local manufacturers. This supports regional industries and enhances sustainability by reducing transportation emissions and shortening lead times. In addition, keeping production closer to the venue allows us to be more mindful of logistics.
Our process ensures that every new location of a global brand has the same core feel as the first flagship site. We focus on adaptability without compromise and uphold the integrity of the concept, making thoughtful adjustments to ensure the design remains strong, cohesive, and impactful across all locations.
F1 Arcade DC Walkway - Image Credit: Ian Wallman
F1 Arcade Boston Main Bar - Image Credit: Ian Wallman
Local laws and regulations will vary
An important part of expanding a hospitality concept internationally is complying with the regulatory and legal frameworks, which can vary significantly.
Planning approvals, building regulations, and licensing processes can differ in complexity and timelines, all of which must be factored into the design programme from the outset.
In the UK, regulatory requirements may differ greatly from those in the US or the Middle East, where building codes, fire safety regulations, and accessibility standards can impact everything from layout to material selection. Additionally, certain products such as fabrics, lighting, and finishes may not always have direct equivalents in different markets, requiring alternative solutions that align with local compliance standards without compromising the brand’s design intent.
To streamline the process, our team works closely with local architects, consultants, and legal experts so that every project complies with the necessary regulations while maintaining the integrity of the original concept.
F1 Arcade Boston Bar Stools - Image Credit: Ian Wallman
F1 Arcade London Bathrooms - Image Credit: Ian Wallman
At Anamo Design Studio, we develop international projects and scale globally new F&B, hospitality and entertainment concepts. We achieve this through a thoughtful blend of strategic planning, cultural awareness, and design adaptability.
Our established processes ensure the client’s brand identity comes to life in every project, while respecting differences in people, culture and regulatory requirements. We source materials responsibly and sustainably to support local businesses and ensure our venues have a sense of place.
If you are looking to grow or create new hospitality concepts in the UK or internationally, we are the team to bring your vision to life. Get in touch to learn more about our services and expertise.