WatchHouse opens new Manhattan location on Park Avenue South
The London-founded coffee brand begins its U.S. expansion with its first stateside opening of 2026
April 2026
April 20 2026, New York, NY - WatchHouse celebrates the opening of its newest House on Park Avenue South, bringing its world-class Modern Coffee philosophy to Manhattan’s historic Flatiron District. Located within one of Manhattan’s most architecturally storied neighbourhoods, the House reflects the mid-century restraint and material confidence long associated with Madison Avenue.
Founded in London in 2014, WatchHouse is renowned for its outstanding coffee with impeccable provenance in design-led spaces. For its third U.S. opening, WatchHouse opens beside the former United Charities Building to serve an expertly curated menu of specialty coffees and rarities, alongside freshly prepared breakfast, bakery and viennoiseries, at New York’s iconic thoroughfare.
Designed by Thomas-McBrien Architects, WatchHouse’s Park Avenue South House reimagines the grandeur of twentieth century New York for contemporary coffee-drinking ambience. Unfolding across 1800sqft with 25 covers, the space combines its retained heritage design details, including its grand neoclassical pillars, with a modern palette of cherry wood, stainless steel, and terrazzo, nodding to the precision and restraint of the era.
In homage to New York’s minimalist master Donald Judd, defining the House are three sculptural central counters in polished steel, basking in the soft golden glow of floating pendant lighting. Guests are invited to enjoy the craftsmanship of WatchHouse’s expert baristas as they dine, relax or quietly work in-house, with a choice of low-level banquette seating in deep green hues or fixed bar stools situated at the windows, reminiscent of the nostalgic American cafe.
The new opening signals a continued North American expansion for WatchHouse, adding to its existing New York locations on the ground floor of the Chrysler Building and Fifth Avenue. It marks the brand’s 26th opening to date, with Houses in the UK and the UAE, in addition to New York.
Roland Horne, CEO and Founder of WatchHouse said: “Park Avenue South is a much anticipated opening for WatchHouse, as we set to expand our presence in New York this year. Our Modern Coffee philosophy upholds the importance of considered experiences, with design and coffee equally at its centre. Joining Manhattan’s Flatiron District to be in the company of such renowned architectural greats continues this spirit, with a space that feels at once recognisably New York and true to WatchHouse.”
Barry McBrien of Thomas-McBrien Architects said “The design establishes a calm, materially confident interior rooted in New York’s mid-century architectural language. Cherry timber, terrazzo and hand-finished steel are used with restraint, allowing proportion and surface to shape the atmosphere within the House. The sculptural steel counters subtly reference the clarity of Donald Judd’s early ‘Objects’, conceived as precise, industrial forms that anchor the space. The result is an environment where the craft of coffee is elevated through architecture.”
With uncompromising standards, WatchHouse serves some of the world’s finest coffees to local communities that value craft and quality, with further openings and news to be announced in the coming months.
Notes to Editors
Address: 287 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010
For all media enquiries, contact Camron:
Priya Suman / Emily Bilgore
WatchHouse@camronglobal.com
About WatchHouse
WatchHouse is a Modern Coffee business, founded by Roland Horne in a former 19th-century watch house on London’s Bermondsey Street. Since opening in 2014, it has grown House by House, now a global business with locations across central London, New York and the UAE. Rooted in the ethos of Modern Coffee, WatchHouse delivers an experience shaped by three pillars: exceptional product, considered design, and an elevated guest experience. From industry-leading specialty coffee to House-made food and architecturally driven spaces, every detail is crafted to move coffee and those who drink it forward.
www.watchhouse.com, @watchhouse
About Thomas-McBrien Architects
Thomas-McBrienArchitects is an award-winning London-based design studio founded by Barry McBrien in 2017. Working internationally across hospitality, retail and residential environments, the studio creates architecture and interiors defined by material clarity, contextual sensitivity and refined detailing. Its projects explore the relationship between proportion, permanence and craft, delivering spaces that are both culturally grounded and contemporary in expression.
www.thomas-mcbrien.com, @thomas_mcbrien
