Minoli London

Minoli returned* to London with the grand opening of the showroom in George Street on the night of September 12^th 2013.

The site was found by Jonathon during the summer of 2011 and there was protracted period of negotiation over the building and the permissions to utilise it, as it is Grade II Listed. The history of the building has been difficult to gain a full understanding of and not even the Westminster Listed Building Officers, knew the significance of the lion head carvings on the exterior.

Once the “deal” on the site was agreed in December 2012, the hard work had to begin. Minoli worked closely with MEDA as the design agency. The scheme for the interior came together and building works commenced in the spring.

The construction of the showroom progressed throughout the summer. The tile displays were completed by the Minoli team during the quieter months of July and August, ready for the unveiling to our clients in September.

Grand Opening 2013 (Press Release)

On the evening of Thursday 12th September, in excess of 150 guests gathered for a Prosecco reception and the opportunity to explore Minoli’s stunning, new, state-of-the-art showroom and resource centre, named ‘The Surface Within’, located in the heart of the ‘Baker Street Quarter’.

“We’re delighted that so many of our closest clients, retail partners and suppliers were able to join us over the two events and that the launch of this new ‘resource centre’ has been so positively received.

“We’ve always recognised the importance of servicing the vibrant and expanding market that the capital provides and with the opening of our new premises in the heart of the West End, we can now provide an even more valuable range of services to our clients working in and around the Capital.

“In designing this space, we’ve thought carefully about our clients’ needs with a specific focus on providing an excellent Minoli customer experience, whatever their reason for visiting. Of course, as the Minoli Team’s London home, there will always be an expert on hand to offer advice and help you find the perfect products for your next project.”

Jonathon Minoli

The showroom was originally staffed by a team from the Oxford office, but in October Maria Longoni joined the company as showroom manager, followed a year or so after by Monica as an assistant. This team worked well for many years and saw the showroom grow in influence and reputation.

As the showroom now approaches its 8^th year of operation the team there is now led by Kristina, assisted by Amy and Valerie.   

A few facts

• The showroom is over two floors and has additional storage and display space in ‘the Vaults’ that stretch out underground into George Street.
• The showroom has a total floor area of around 300 MT2
• The space is allocated into sections, The Gallery, The Presentation Suite, The Studio and The Retreat.
• Events hosted included – Start With Art – Supercars with Ferrari – Superbikes with Crescent Yamaha WSB – Classic Cars with Girardo & Co.   
• Located on George Street, which runs parallel to Oxford Street, close to Portman Square, Marylebone High Street and Mayfair.

“The row of terraced shops and housing, in which the showroom resides, was built around 1800 and is associated with the Portman Estate, Gloucester Place development. Grade II  listed and with English Heritage certification, having only been cosmetically refurbished since construction. The facade of No 71 still retains ornamental stone carvings depicting four lions along the frontage, perhaps the mark of the builder or owner of the development at the time.”

Listed building 

Kristina and the team are available to welcome clients and colleagues to the showroom – preferably by appointment.

*The Minoli company was originally founded by Luigi Minoli in London, but moved production and administration to Oxford pre-war.