Project The Nyetimber Bar was designed as a key feature of the Land Rover Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR) permanent base and visitors’ centre at The Camber in Old Portsmouth — a flagship environment for Britain’s challenge at the 35th America’s Cup, one of the oldest trophies in international sport and historically elusive for UK teams. The installation celebrates Nyetimber’s English sparkling wine within a dynamic hospitality and brand experience rooted in competition, craft, and community.

Challenge The challenge was to design a bar that could both command presence within a high-energy sporting destination and reflect the refinement of a premium wine maker. The space needed to feel sculptural yet functional, aligning with the precision and performance values of the America’s Cup programme while offering warmth, clarity, and ease of social interaction.

My Role As Head of Design at Nicholasalexander Ltd, I led the spatial and 3D design of the project in collaboration with Made Thought, shaping its form, materiality, and detailing. The bar’s oval structure, articulated with curved timber fins and illuminated shelving, was developed to balance functional service requirements with a strong, sculptural presence that resonates with both brand and venue identity.

Results & Impact Situated within a prominent motorsport and sailing destination, the Nyetimber Bar became a standout focal point for visitors, enhancing the experience at the BAR base and reinforcing the pairing of hosted social environments with elite sporting ambition. The installation demonstrates how thoughtful spatial design can translate brand values — precision, quality, and celebration — into a memorable, functional hospitality setting.