Vending

Stone vending machines dispensing porcelain tiles pop up in central London

Photo: Adobe Stock

May 12, 2025

Three vending machines crafted from stone will appear around central London from May 20-22 as part of Clerkenwell Design Week, according to a Londonist report.

Italian stoneware company Italgraniti is installing "Automatica," a trio of vending machines located outside Farringdon station, Old Sessions House and inside Church of Design at St Bartholomew the Great.

The vending machines will dispense free porcelain tile samples, which can be obtained by collecting a free token from the Solus showroom on Clerkenwell Road. The installation is a creative element of the design festival.

In addition to the stone vending machines, the Beasley's Biscuit Bar pop-up will offer free tea and biscuits at 30 Clerkenwell Road throughout the three-day festival. This pop-up recreates London's first biscuit bar and will also feature the live creation of sustainable furniture designed by Carl Clerkin and Alex Hellum.