That's a wrap on Clerkenwell Design Week 2025
This year was all about the celebration of architectural staples and everyday rituals: simplicity over complexity; connection over spectacle. The centrepiece: a striking table designed by SMITHS using Casalgrande Padana products, inspired by the quiet beauty of the kitchen table where food, conversation, and community come together. An exhibition by Jess Gough explores the process, people, and products behind Casalgrande Padana.
The three-day spectacle kicked off on the Tuesday with a talk from Howells, exploring the future of Birmingham and their vision for a healthier, more inclusive city.
An olive oil tasting followed, led by Citizens of Soil and olive oil sommelier Sarah Vachon, who shared their mission to transform the olive oil industry for good
In the evening, we gathered around the SMITHS table for a curated dinner, featuring food from the beloved East London café E Pellici. The night continued with music curated by Afroflux, including performances from Rewyld, Call Me Unique, and A La Fu.
The theme of collaboration flowed naturally into day two. PLP Labs from PLP Architecture presented their research into mycelium building blocks: a step towards ‘Symbiocene’ living and a shift in how we imagine the materials of the future.
L.A Brewery led a tasting of their non-alcoholic brews, offering insight into their meticulous, sustainable approach to fermentation and flavour.
In a panel on reimagining the staple materials of daily life, we heard from Pete Jennings of SMITHS, Florence Browning of Webb Yates, Alexis Harrison of Arup, and Sanne Visser of Sanne Visser Studio. Each shared powerful ideas on how the familiar can evolve into something more sustainable, resilient, and meaningful. With delicious food from the lovely people at Palm Greens.
Later in the day, Renegade Urban Winery hosted a tasting session that challenged traditional approaches to winemaking in the best way possible.
The night ended on a high: a standout live set from Plumm and Hen.D had the place jumping. Their energy and talent brought the room together, embodying the spirit of connection and collaboration that’s been present throughout the week.
The final day of Clerkenwell Design Week was our biggest yet. We started the day with a moving talk from The Felix Project, who shared how they are addressing food waste and hunger across London. Visitors had the chance to sample fresh apple juice and banana bread, both made from ingredients that would have otherwise gone to waste.
By lunchtime, a queue was already forming for the cult-favourite sandwiches from The Dusty Knuckle. Known for their exceptional bread, pastries, and pizza, the bakery also runs a pioneering Youth Training Programme, supporting young people facing barriers to employment. Founder and CEO Max Tobias spoke about their mission to create not just brilliant food, but also pathways to independence, confidence, and new opportunity through hands-on training and mentorship.
Le Labo welcomed guests into a sensory journey through scent, sharing the stories and philosophy behind their distinctive fragrances and how their approach to craftsmanship, memory, and emotion has shaped the brand’s global following.
Later in the day, Rachael Davidson and Pete Jennings of SMITHS took us through the inspiration behind Staples, the ceramic table that anchored our programme all week. Drawing on themes of everyday rituals and the objects that gather us—like the kitchen table—Staples became a space for dialogue, collaboration, and community throughout the festival.
As evening fell, we welcomed DJ Gilles Peterson to close the week. A dream booking for the team, Gilles was brought to Clerkenwell by our brilliant events manager Jo Sinclair. One of the UK’s most respected selectors and a long-time champion of global sounds and musical connection, Gilles brought the house down. His set was the perfect coda to a week spent celebrating the transformative power of creative collaboration. The dancefloor was ecstatic.
And with that, another unforgettable Clerkenwell Design Week comes to a close.
