Client: EL&N Café
Location: St James Quarter, Edinburgh
Services Delivered: Prop Making, Bespoke Joinery, Brand Activation, Installation
EL&N
Pink-saturated Instagram props for a café launch
Scene2’s Solution
Design & Production
For the launch of EL&N Café’s Edinburgh venue, Scene2 designed and produced a series of bespoke Instagram-worthy installations that reflected the brand’s instantly recognisable aesthetic.
The activation was created to enhance the customer experience while providing highly shareable photo opportunities throughout the venue. Every element embraced EL&N’s signature visual identity, creating immersive moments designed to encourage social engagement.
Workshop Production
Scene2 constructed a collection of bespoke statement pieces that became focal points within the new café.
The installations included an illuminated acrylic piano and a handcrafted glass-topped pool table featuring custom EL&N branding throughout. Bespoke cues and branded pool balls were produced specifically for the project, ensuring every detail aligned with the brand experience.
A combination of scenic finishing, acrylic and bespoke joinery techniques were utilised to create visually impactful installations that balanced functionality with strong aesthetic appeal.
Installation & Delivery
Scene2 managed the delivery and installation of the feature pieces within the venue, ensuring all elements were completed in time for the official store opening.
The finished installations transformed key areas of the café into engaging social spaces, creating distinctive visitor experiences while reinforcing EL&N’s position as one of the world’s most Instagrammable café brands.
Project Overview
Known for its vibrant interiors and social-first design approach, EL&N Café required a series of bespoke installations to support the launch of its new Edinburgh venue within St James Quarter.
Scene2 was appointed to create a collection of statement features designed to complement the café’s iconic pink aesthetic while encouraging customer interaction and content creation. The brief called for visually striking elements capable of becoming destination features within the venue and enhancing the overall customer experience.
Among the standout pieces were a bespoke illuminated acrylic piano and a custom-built glass-topped pool table complete with branded cues and pool balls. These installations combined playful functionality with premium finishes, creating unique opportunities for customers to engage with the brand and capture memorable moments during their visit.
Delivered in time for the venue opening, the installations contributed to the immersive atmosphere that has become synonymous with the EL&N brand, helping establish the Edinburgh location as a vibrant new destination within the city.
Challenges We Overcame
Creating Highly Shareable Experiences
The installations needed to deliver strong visual impact while encouraging visitors to interact with the space and create content for social media.
Balancing Functionality and Design
Feature pieces such as the piano and pool table needed to function as genuine interactive installations while maintaining the premium appearance expected of the EL&N brand.
Delivering For a Live Environment
The project required careful coordination to ensure all bespoke elements were completed, delivered and installed in line with the venue’s opening schedule.
Results
The completed installations provided EL&N Café Edinburgh with a collection of unique feature pieces that quickly became focal points within the venue.
By combining bespoke craftsmanship, premium finishes and strong visual storytelling, Scene2 created a series of engaging customer experiences that aligned perfectly with the brand’s social-first identity.
The project demonstrates Scene2’s ability to create custom-built installations that blend experiential design, brand engagement and high-quality production to enhance retail and hospitality environments.
FAQ
What services did Scene2 provide?
Prop Making, Bespoke Joinery, Brand Activation, Installation.
Where was the project located?
EL&N Café, St James Quarter, Edinburgh.
What materials were used in the build?
Acrylic, glass, timber, print and specialist scenic finishes.
What were the biggest challenges of the project?
Creating visually impactful interactive installations that balanced functionality, durability and strong brand identity.