Black Ivy Design Transforms Coventry’s Food Hall Scene with Elle’s: A Relaxed, Community-Driven Departure from Industrial Norms
Interior design studio Black Ivy Design has completed Elle’s, Coventry’s first dedicated social dining hub at Two Friargate, Station Square right beside Coventry Railway Station.
Black Ivy Design is a leading hospitality design studio known for its expertise in hospitality design and its ability to create modern, functional and aesthetically striking spaces. Founded by Leanne Armstrong, the studio specialises in crafting interiors that reflect the identity of each client and building while pushing creative boundaries in material use, lighting and FF&E.
Commissioned by Dhillon’s Brewery, the two-floor venue reimagines the food hall concept, moving away from the loud, industrial, high-turnover environments that dominate the category to create a cool, unpretentious space with genuine vibe and lasting appeal.
Founder and Creative Director Leanne Armstrong explained the bold vision:
“We decided to do something completely different. Typical food halls are often noisy and transactional, designed for quick visits. At Elle’s, we wanted a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where people feel comfortable staying longer, whether for a meal, drinks, work, or connection. It’s unpretentious yet full of energy, more like a shared living room for the city.”
The design achieves this through a soothing light green wash across the entire space, evoking calm and nature-inspired tranquillity, complemented by soft peach accents that add warmth and subtle elegance.
Key areas remain minimalist, featuring simple opal globe wall lights and oversized pendant fixtures for soft, ambient glow. Modern oversized terrazzo tiles, in bold scale and print, bring contemporary texture and visual interest without overwhelming the relaxed feel.
A zoning strategy creates diverse social pockets: expansive areas for big parties and groups, intimate corners for couples or solo diners, and dedicated spots for remote workers escaping the office or home setup with a laptop. Staged entertainment and screens for events add engagement, from casual gatherings to live sports or DJ sets.
Elle’s supports emerging talent by featuring six independent local kitchens and collaborating with Coventry-based artists, photographers, graphic designers, and fine artists for an eclectic mix of artwork displayed throughout. This not only enriches the space but provides a platform to raise profiles and foster community.
Dal Dhillon, owner of Dhillon’s Brewery, said:
“We wanted Elle’s to feel different from the moment people walk in, moving away from the usual food hall model. Working with Leanne and Black Ivy Design elevated everything. They balanced atmosphere, layout, and practicality to create a welcoming, vibrant space that works brilliantly for a busy hospitality environment.”
Armstrong added:
“This is something totally new for Coventry, nothing like this relaxed, vibe driven destination exists here. We’ve hopefully reset the bar, paving the way for future developments and setting the tone for the community-focused venues the city needs and deserves.”
Elle’s is now open, offering diverse global flavours (including vegan, halal, and non-halal options), craft cocktails, barista coffee, and a buzzing yet relaxed atmosphere.