Award-winning design studio A-nrd have completed the design of Lina Stores Shoreditch, a new East End venue for the iconic Italian restaurant. Set within a grand Grade II listed bank on Shoreditch High Street, first built in 1868, the studio began by stripping back many of the modern alterations, restoring the historic fabric of the building it to its original grandeur with a dose of Lina Stores’ signature Italian elegance. Seating 150 across two floors, the vast space is a mix of an open plan brasserie-style restaurant, a private dining room, a hidden basement cocktail bar, making the new opening a destination from day to night.
Upon entering the building, the vast coffered ceilings featuring traditional half sphere pendant lights and decorative steel pillars instantly create a statement. Combining past and present, the interior evokes a fresh take on the grand European brasseries of post war. In line with the studio’s ethos to avoid overbuilding by repurposing and valorising existing structures and finishes, walls and window frames feature exposed plaster contrasted by painted niches and arched panels of pistachio green, a colour intrinsically linked to Lina Stores. Original Victorian mosaic tiled floors, floorboards, timber panelled walls and steel columns have been preserved and add a touch of old-world charm.
At the reception entrance, the first touch point for guests, a dark stained oak and elegantly panelled reception desk with bold Guatemalan green marble counter and curtained cloakroom closets designed by A-nrd nod to the rich material palette and subtle detailing employed across the ground floor.
The atmosphere created on the dining floor is buzzy and convivial, with a mixed variety of tables and seating options, all with an unobstructed view to the open kitchen. Bespoke low-level banquette seating designed by the studio and upholstered in a dark Hunter green jacquard velvet from Covertex by Christina Marrone frames the main restaurant window area and adjacent wall. Collective groups of empty wine bottles stacked behind banquettes, together with dark oak wall panelling and custom steel table lamps designed in collaboration with A-nrd and LightsOn create cosy intimate corners for diners. Tables are a mix of square dark oak bistro tables with white Formica surfaces interspersed with circular accent tables that break the expanse in a contrasting Verde Guatemala marble. All styles feature brushed steel bases and are paired with traditional ladder back and bentwood chairs with seat pads upholstered in a pistachio green leather from Crest. Central to the space, a trio of bespoke curved benches add visual contrast, and create an island to help break and zone the seating areas of the vast space. Upholstered in a tactile 1950’s green wool blend stripe by Tibor these comfortable banquettes enhance the relaxed and familiar Lina Stores atmosphere.
Elsewhere on the ground floor, located behind a rather grand arched original timber door is a private dining room. A mirrored runner runs across the pistachio green, exposed plaster walls adding a playful and modernist touch whilst also cleverly enhancing the visual perception of the room. A bespoke booth also upholstered in a Lichen green leather from Crest with plush back cushions line the walls whilst a custom white Carrara and the Verde Guatemala marble striped marquetry table adds a bold use of pattern to the area. Bringing through familiar design details, the table features a tubular brushed steel base and arched bespoke wall lights are poised to frame diners with a soft warm illumination and add a pleasant symmetry to the interior.
At the rear of the restaurant, which leads downstairs, bespoke dark oak cabinets with soft curves and subtle joinery detailing display wines and spirits. With a separate entrance from street level to the basement located here, doors and window frames are painted in a deep burgundy which hints to the contrast of the lower floor, teasing guests to enter.
Hidden behind an unmarked door, Bar Lina is a dark burgundy, monochromatic delight with soft lighting and reflective surfaces creating an ambience that is intimate and glamorous. Upon entering the lower ground floor space, a long monolithic communal bar table crafted from a moody Rosso Levanto marble is illuminated by low hanging bespoke brass pendant lights. Custom bar stools designed by A-nrd seat 24 and are upholstered in a heritage mahogany leather from Yarwood with brushed steel bases. Ceilings and walls retain their natural texture and have been uniformly painted in a high gloss dark burgundy hue and feature a mirrored runner. A black oak floor from Havwoods and floor to ceiling curtains in a deep burgundy hue add depth and dimension to the space. Lit from above, the drapery adds a warmth and softness with their colour and texture reflected around the room creating a cocooning atmosphere. Complementing the statement bar table designed by A-nrd, a matching Rosso Levanto cocktail bar with illuminated back bar and a DJ booth combine to create an evocative and expressive space which is an instant talking point.
Flowing through the lower level, the lounge area has a bougie vibe and continues the monochromatic aesthetic. Design elements continue to pull through for a cohesive feel with walls and ceiling painted in a gloss finish and a mirrored runner spanning the room. Here relaxed custom low-level sofa seating upholstered in a dark burgundy red chenille by Gancedo frames the space and features a brushed steel kicker as the material palette evolves but remains familiar. Round accent chairs also designed by A-nrd and back painted glass tables elevate the feel. Punctuation walls and mirrored arched alcoves, lighting is a mix of wall sconces from Flos which provide a soft wash of illumination and a vintage chrome chandelier by Gaetano Sciolari.
Located in the old bank vault and featuring the original steel door, a semi-private booth evokes the feel of a late 70s New York cocktail den with an Italian style and flair. With a sunken design, the space is carpeted in a plush dark red. The rich, warm colour and material palette continues with mirrored wall runners, a gloss ceiling, Rosso Levanto marble low format tables and banquette seating framing the space upholstered in a dark burgundy chenille from Gancedo. Esagonale Pendants by Bruno Munari for Danese in a light chrome finish provides the only contrast in the entirely red room, adding a luxurious touch to the space and drawing together the lower-level palette.
In crafting the concept for Lina Stores Shoreditch, A-nrd have evolved the 1970s-Italian look and feel of the iconic restaurant into something daringly elevated and transportive. At dining level, the authentic and elegant interior effortlessly mixes historic charm and modernity, whilst Bar Lina seduces with its retro glamour – this duality is quintessentially East London.
On the design of Lina Stores Shoreditch, A-nrd founder Alessio Nardi comments, “we wanted to create a space for Lina Stores that felt authentic and familiar, but at the same time was surprising. Developing their material and colour palette, I believe we created a richly layered interior for both levels, full of subtle design details which celebrates the fabric of the historic building and creates an immersive and new Lina Stores experience.”
Team:
Architects: A-NRD
Restaurant Photos: Adam Firman and Mark Antony Fox
Bar Lina Photos: Felix Spector
Materials Used:
Restaurant:
Chairs: Ton
Tables, table bases: Hillcross furniture (except pdr - bespoke)
Stools bespoke
Lighting all bespoke - in collaboration with Lights On Design
Fabrics: Covertex by Christina Marrone, Crest, Tibor
Tiles: Solus
Bar:
Stools all bespoke
Tables and table bases: Hillcross
Lighting:
Above bar bespoke
Wall light Flos
Pendant pdr: Esagonale Pendants by Bruno Munari for Danese
Other pendant: vintage chandelier by Gaetano Sciolari
Fabrics: Yarwood, Gancedo.
Flooring: Havwoods
