Mathilde’s
Heaton Cooper Studio in Grasmere
Heaton Cooper Studio has stood at the heart of Grasmere since 1905, when Alfred Heaton Cooper first established what would become one of the Lake District's most beloved creative institutions.
The present gallery building was completed in 1938 by his son William, with a contemporary extension added by Ben Cunliffe in 2013/14. Grasmere itself was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2017, recognised for its cultural landscape, its power to inspire and its careful conservation. The studio holds that same ethos close, carrying the Green Small Business Certified badge with pride.
What we did
Within the studio sits Mathilde's, the café founded by Becky Heaton Cooper. Light, contemporary and quietly Scandinavian in spirit, it celebrates the Heaton Cooper family's long connection to Balestrand in Norway alongside a thoughtfully curated gallery and shop. The café had outgrown itself. Beloved by a loyal customer base drawn to its relaxed, unhurried atmosphere, the space needed to work harder without losing what made it special.
The project focused on improving circulation flow, reducing waiting times at the servery and creating a kitchen and back of house that finally had room to breathe. Every decision was made with the business plan and the customer experience in equal view, finding ways to grow revenue while staying true to the people who have always shown up.