Award-winning London design practice A-nrd Studio draw inspiration from the humble oyster for new Pearly Queen, the highly anticipated new opening from Michelin-starred chef Tom Brown. 

Located within the heart of Shoreditch on Commercial Street the relaxed eatery which is set across two floors 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.



The interior architecture of Pearly Queen has an elevated industrial rawness with floor to ceiling timberframed 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.

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. 



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.

Address  44 Commercial Street - London, UK

Interior Design  A-nrd