The new East London restaurant from Michelin-starred Nathan Outlaw alumnus, Tom Brown, draws its inspiration from the humble oyster. A 40-seat seafood restaurant and champagne bar set across two floors, Pearly Queen boasts interiors by award-winning design practice and We Heart favourites, A-nrd Studio, who have referenced the contrasting textures and tones of an oyster shell and its prized pearls within the design elements.
Behind the white-washed façade and traditional ‘oysters’ signage, guests will find a dining space as expressive as the menu, with interiors modelled after NYC-style Art Deco oyster bars and kissed with a classic East End touch. Experimenting with contrasting textures, juxtaposing materials, furnishings, and fixtures, as well as fusing the rough with the smooth, A-nrd Studio have created a space that feels familiar, yet fresh and contemporary.
A dual-purpose cocktail bar and open kitchen counter is the focal point to the ground floor plan. Crafted from luxurious solid Italian terrazzo in a neutral tone and paired with rich chestnut upholstered leather bar seats, the design features a bespoke back bar in a mix of materials including mirrored glass, bronzed brass and vintage oak panelling, and a raw steel wine gantry. 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. Lighting plays a key part of the design and to highlight this, decoration is minimal.
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. 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.
By combining juxtaposing styles, the designers have conceived an interior that holds its own within the fast-paced Shoreditch restaurant scene. A contemporary spin on a classic oyster and champagne bar, Pearly Queen combines the intimacy and casual atmosphere of a local neighbourhood eatery with elevated elegance and sophisticated detailing.
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@a_nrdstudio
Pearly Queen Shoreditch Photography, Charlie McKay.
