KEF Opens 5,000 Square-Foot Audio-Visual Experiential Space in Central London

Heritage British high-end audio brand KEF has announced its latest experiential space in the heart of central London, after teasing its launch last month. Opening tomorrow, June 8, the new KEF Music Gallery London will provide the kind of sonic experience that can only be had in person, where, according to the brand, “guests can discover the magic of great sound.”

Located just off London’s famous Oxford Street, KEF Music Gallery London promises to deliver immersive and exploratory audio experiences over two floors and 5,000 square feet. The space will offer guests the chance to try out KEF products in a variety of settings, or “experiential zones”, that will cater to lovers of both music and film, as well as to creatives whose works span across audio and visual fields.

Amongst these zones is The Gallery, located on the ground floor of the building, where you’ll find the cleverly named (and very punny) KEFé — the brand describes this as “London’s ultimate high-fidelity café” where guests will be able to listen to an eclectic selection of music whilst enjoying a brew. Come the evening, however, The Gallery will transform to become a “space for immersive music events”, and KEF is promising to curate a year-round programme to include live music, film screenings, talks, special collaborations and more. Another, The Studio, is an intimate space located just by The Gallery, a fully functioning recording studio “with state-of-the-art acoustics” that will be equipped for podcasting, music recording, or private listening sessions. KEF hasn’t yet made public stated how the space can be booked or what it will cost, but it’s pretty cool such an option even exists in London’s busiest shopping district.

Complimenting the aforementioned exploratory spaces are three immersion spaces. One of these, The Hub, is a collaborative workspace that features an in-ceiling speaker installation, set up to welcome guests as well as to host workshops. KEF’s attention to detail in designing its new location is unmistakeable here; a four-meter-long (13ft) table crafted from a single piece of Kentish oak — and designed by British fine furniture maker Sebastian Cox — is the centrepiece of the room. The Living Room and the Ultimate Experience Room round off the zones guests will be able to experience when the space opens tomorrow.

KEF is hoping its innovative new London space will be provide a welcomed change from typical audio showrooms. To this, the audio brand partnered with renowned British architecture and interior design firm Conran and Partners to create an “industrial yet refined” sense, with the use of stainless steel and concrete being complimented by light and dark oaks throughout. The KEF Music Gallery London joins the brand’s other two pinnacle spaces in Tokyo and Hong Kong, with KEF’s president, Grace Lo, stating its “our third and most ambitious flagship destination to date.”

Interested in checking it out? The KEF Music Gallery London is located at 42-48 Great Portland Street and is open to the public from June 8.