London pratcie A-nrd Studio has just finished the interior design of Pearly Queen, the eagerly awaited new establishment by renowned chef Tom Brown. Situated in East London, this contemporary seafood restaurant, with its 40 seats, draws inspiration from the captivating textures and hues found in an oyster shell and its precious pearls. Located within the heart of Shoreditch on Commercial Street the relaxed eatery which is set across two floors is an exploration of texture and nuanced colour by A-nrd Studio who have created a space that is as expressive as the menu.
The Pearly Queen boasts an interior architecture that exudes elegance and sophistication. The elevated space is adorned with floor to ceiling timber framed arched windows, allowing ample natural light to flood the area. The original metal columns and exposed brickwork limewashed walls add a touch of industrial charm, while the poured concrete floors provide a modern and sleek aesthetic.
In a delightful contrast, the furniture and lighting in the space incorporate elements of Art Deco design. The use of marble, brass, and glass creates a sense of opulence and grandeur. These materials are carefully curated and placed throughout the interior, resulting in a harmonious blend of neutral tones and rich, textural materials. The combination of these elements brings the space to life, creating an organic and inviting atmosphere.
One of the standout features of the ground floor plan is the dual-purpose cocktail bar and open kitchen counter. This focal point adds a vibrant and lively element to the space, creating a sense of excitement and theatricality. The bar is crafted from luxurious solid Italian terrazzo in a neutral tone, exuding a sense of luxury and sophistication. The rich chestnut upholstered leather bar seats provide comfort and elegance.
The design also features a bespoke back bar, which incorporates a mix of materials such as mirrored glass, bronzed brass, and vintage oak panelling. This combination of materials adds depth and visual interest to the space. Additionally, a raw steel wine gantry adds a touch of industrial charm and showcases the extensive wine selection.
Overall, the interior architecture of Pearly Queen is a testament to the skill and creativity of A-nrd Studio. The careful selection and placement of materials, as well as the incorporation of unique design elements, result in a space that is both visually stunning and inviting to guests.
Mirroring the bar, a large terrazzo counter table looks out on to the buzz of Shoreditch and is a prime spot that adds to the convivial atmosphere of the space. At the rear of the plan custom booth seating crafted from vintage oak with chestnut leather upholstery designed by A-nrd Studio line the rear wall. Bespoke terrazzo tables with a vintage oak frame that seats 2 and 4 continue the cohesive and concise material and colour palette. Tables are paired with vintage oak upholstered leather armchairs.
Lighting plays a key part of the design with A-nrd Studio choosing a varied mixed of styles to punctuate and illuminate the space. Across the bar architectural matt black track lighting is functional yet sleek, whilst polished brass wall sconces frame the back bar. Tabletop lights with a shapely opaque glass shade and a modern 3-drop chandelier of Deco-esq spherical pendants also in opaque glass glisten like pearls. Adorning the rear wall of the restaurant the phrase “the world is yours” written in Brown’s handwriting is captured in hot pink neon art, whilst Deco style wall sconces are mounted on dark terrazzo picture rail with bronzed brass accents.
Decoration is minimal and provided by numerous pieces of art curated on behalf of A-nrd Studio by art curator Despina Watton, some of which were commissioned by chef Tom Brown. Prints, original paintings, and ink drawings on a variety of media from artists including Rugman, Fee Greening and Soozy Lipsy sit alongside two portraits by contemporary British artist Poppy Ellis, one depicting Tom and one depicting Tom’s hero Anthony Bourdain.
Downstairs at Pearly Queen the material and colour palette continue with a richer, atmospheric feel. A vintage distressed oak parquet floor warms the exposed brick and limewashed walls on this lower level. Bespoke booth seating again designed by A-nrd Studio in a deep moss green leather curves around the main space with intimate tables filling under stairs niches and tucked away corners. Custom antique effect mirrors framed in vintage oak panels designed by A-nrd Design and Deco globe pendant lights work in harmony to gently bounce ambient light across the basement plan.
A semi-private dining room is a hidden gem within the lower level, enclosed within an arched cavern and hidden behind a curtain it offers a surprising pop of colour. Here bespoke booth seating is upholstered in a plush terracotta velvet with a bold corduroy-like pattern. A curved mustard coloured terrazzo table and bespoke wall mirror echoes the curved architecture of the space which is painted in a deep teal and illuminated by luxurious pearly marble lighting.
In Pearly Queen A-nrd Studio have successfully juxtaposed styles and materials to create an interior that holds its own within the fast-paced Shoreditch restaurant scene. A contemporary interpretation of a traditional oyster and champagne bar, Pearly Queen combines the intimacy and casual atmosphere of a local neighbourhood eatery with elevated elegance and sophisticated detailing.