Case Study: Cimbali Group brings coffee into the spotlight at Flock

As hotels continue to position themselves as social destinations rather than simply places to stay, coffee has evolved beyond a functional amenity. It has become an integral part of hospitably design, influencing how guests interact with spaces and how hotels connect with their surrounding communities.

Hotel Indigo London K West Shepherd’s Bush offers an example of this changing approach. At the heart of the hotel sits Flock, it’s restaurant and bar, a space designed to welcome both hotel guests and local residents. More than somewhere to eat and drink, Flock reflects the hotel’s neighbourhood-led philosophy creating an environment where guests can settle in, connect and feel part of the surrounding community.

Supporting that vision is LaCimbali, the Italian espresso machine manufacturer whose design-led approach to professional coffee equipment aligns with the experience Flock aims to create. Here, the coffee station is not simply an operational necessity, it forms part of the visual identity and daily rhythm of the space.

From hotel amenity to neighbourhood destination

Across the hospitality sector, lifestyle hotels are increasingly blurring the boundaries between hotel lobby, cafe and restaurant.  Public spaces are designed to remain active throughout the day, encouraging local communities to use them alongside overnight guests.

At Hotel Indigo London K West that philosophy extends throughout the property and comes to life in Flock. Serving a modern European menu inspired by fresh, seasonal flavours, the restaurant accompanies guests, from morning coffee and breakfast meetings to evening dining and drinks. At the same time, its welcoming atmosphere encourages locals to stop by, transforming the space from a hotel restaurant into a genuine neighbourhood destination.

Creating that sense of connection requires more than considered interiors. While design creates the first impression, it is the quality of the food and drink, the expertise of the team and the interactions that take place across the bar that encourage people to return.

Coffee plays an important role in this experience. Rather than being viewed as a simple hotel amenity, it has become a daily ritual that brings people together, encourages conversation and creates a sense of energy within the space.

“There is something welcoming about the aroma of fresh coffee filling the room,” explains the team at Hotel Indigo London K West. “It creates energy, conversation and connection.”

Designing theatre into the guest experience

Within Flock, coffee preparation has been intentionally placed at the centre of the guest journey.

“We didn’t want to hide the coffee experience behind the scenes. The machine is intentionally positioned so guests can engage with the preparation process and appreciate the craftsmanship behind every cup.”

Positioned prominently behind the open bar, LaCimbali’s black M200 GT1 espresso machine becomes part of the restaurant’s visual language, rather than something hidden behind the scenes. Guests can watch espresso being prepared, hear the sound of freshly ground coffee and experience the theatre of milk texturing and barista craft as part of the restaurant’s atmosphere.

Designed by Italian designer Valerio Cometti of V12 Design, the M200 combines contemporary aesthetics with the functionality required in demanding hospitality environments.

Its sculptural form complements Flock’s modern interiors, while enforcing the restaurant’s emphasis on openness and interaction. “The M200 is much more than a coffee machine. It is a statement piece,” says the team. “It’s contemporary design, elegant lines and visual presence fit perfectly within Flock’s modern and vibrant environment.”

Where design and performance work together

In hospitality design, the most successful technology is often the least visible. While guest appreciate beautiful spaces, seamless service depends on equipment that enables hospitality teams to perform consistently throughout the day.

Behind the M200’s distinctive appearance is technology developed to support the daily realities of professional hospitality. Its independent boiler system allows precise temperature control for each group head, giving baristas greater flexibility when managing different coffee profiles while ensuring reliable results across multiple drinks. From a single espresso to a busy breakfast service requiring a constant flow of milk-based beverages, the machine provides the control needed to deliver consistency.

Equally important is the M200’s ergonomic layout, which supports workflow behind the bar. Intuitive controls, adjustable settings and the TurboSteam 4 Cool Touch steam wand also help simplify preparation, enabling baristas to work efficiently while maintaining the quality expected by guests.

Alongside the M200 sits the LaCimbali Elective Auto-Tamp grinder, a perfect complement to a machine designed for precision and consistency. For both LaCimbali and Hotel Indigo London K West, exceptional coffee starts with the quality of the grind, making grinder performance just as critical as the espresso machine itself. Combining advanced technology with an intuitive user experience, the Elective has been engineered to deliver outstanding consistency and extraction quality, helping to unlock the full flavour potential of every coffee.

Visually, the machines sit in harmony not just with each other, but with the surrounding restaurant environment too. Rather than competing with the design of the space, LaCimbali’s technology quietly supports it.

Supporting the people behind the coffee

As hospitality continues to evolve, operators are increasingly looking for technology that enhances service without replacing the human interaction at its centre. For Hotel Indigo London K West, this principle is central: “For us, this comes down to one simple principle: hospitality is a people business,” explains the team.

While technology and automation are becoming increasingly important across the sector, the hotel recognises that memorable coffee experiences still depend on the skill, personality and judgement of the barista.

Professional equipment therefore acts as an enabler rather than a replacement. By helping baristas manage consistency, efficiency and workflow, the M200 allows teams to focus on what matters most: engaging with guests and delivering a welcoming and attentive experience. Rather than removing craftsmanship from the process, technology works alongside it, giving hospitality professionals the tools they need to perform at their best.

Creating lasting impressions through everyday moments

For the hotel, investing in coffee was never simply about selecting an espresso machine. It was about creating an environment where design, service and technology come together to make guests feel welcome from the moment they arrive.

Within Flock, coffee has become part of the rhythm of the hotel. It welcomes guests after a journey, accompanies breakfast meetings and leisurely mornings, encourages local residents to return and completes an evening meal with a perfectly prepared espresso.

These everyday moments may seem small, but collectively they help define the identity of a lifestyle hotel. “At Hotel Indigo London K West, we believe coffee is more than a beverage. It is an experience, and the M200 helps us bring that philosophy to life every day.”

The collaboration between Hotel Indigo London K West and LaCimbali demonstrate how thoughtfully integrated coffee design can contribute to a wider guest experience, proving that some of hospitality’s most memorable moments are often found in tits simplest daily ritual

Cimbali Group is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.

Main image credit: Hotel Indigo London K West in Shepherd’s Bush