There's something fishy about Hyde Park's brand new coffee house. Glance upwards when you order your espresso, and you'll notice that an undulating bronze canopy is all that's sheltering you from the sun (or rain, the more likely scenario).
That's because the new Serpentine Coffee House is inspired by a stingray's flight through water. The brainchild of Mizzi Studio, the pavilion was created using state-of-art techniques — that gleaming roof is handpainted to give an aged-brass finish, with dimples on the stingray's underbelly creating an almost reptilian effect.
The structure also draws from Japanese teahouses, with an open, semi-transparent design intended to blend in with the surrounding landscape.
Located between the Serpentine Gallery's two locations, it makes for a picturesque pitstop after taking in some art. Oh, and don't forget to have a nose around the Serpentine Pavilion, which this year is designed by Junya Ishigami — while you're in the area.
