Pearly Queen Oyster Bar

A-nrd Studio drew inspiration from the humble oyster for new East-London champagne and seafood bar Pearly Queen from Michelin-starred chef Tom Brown.

Located within the heart of Shoreditch on Commercial Street the relaxed eatery stands out from its neighbours with a white-washed façade and traditional ‘oysters’ signage. The interior concept is modelled after NYC-style Art Deco oyster bars with an East London edge that references Brown’s background and 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 interior architecture of Pearly Queen has an elevated industrial rawness with floor to ceiling timber framed arched windows, original metal columns and exposed brickwork paired with limewashed walls and poured concrete floors. In contrast, the use of marble, brass and glass across furniture and lighting add Deco elements to the design which combine to create an organic and harmonious mix of neural tones and rich, textural materials, layered together by A-nrd Studio and brought to life.

A dual-purpose cocktail bar and open kitchen counter is the focal point to the ground floor plan which adds a buzzy, theatrical element to the space. 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. 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.

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 from artists including Rugman, Fee Greening and Soozy Lipsy which 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.

Design: A-nrd Studio
Contractor: Stenball
Furniture: A-nrd Studio, Contractchair
Photography: Charlie McKay