The coffee counter and bar at Lyle's.
The overall style is uncomplicated and relaxed.
Host station and coat storage.
The Tea Building which houses Lyles restaurant.
Lyle's is a Michelin starred all-day restaurant, located in The Tea Building in East London. Lyle's concentrates on British, simple food, driven by a common-sense kind of mentality.
The Tea Building is an imposing eight-storey building (initially built as a bacon factory for the Lipton brand) that still dominates the junction of Shoreditch High Street and Bethnal Green Road. Lyle’s restaurant, which takes its name from James’ Mother’s maiden name, is located on the ground floor of the Tea Building.
We took inspiration from the years that Tea Building was established, with strong references to mid-20th century industrial design whilst always paying homage to British manufacturing and design. The overall style is uncomplicated, simple and relaxed.
Throughout are two-person tables shrouded by reclaimed Ercol stick back chairs.
Poured natural concrete floor with simple, white crackle-glazed tiles on the wall.
Natural light spills across the 120 sqm, 52-cover dining space due to three vast factory-paned windows to the front elevation of the building. An internal window in the same proportions connects existing Tea Building entrance with Lyle’s restaurant.
We wanted to reference the existing fabric and architectural features of the Tea Building in our choice of materials.
The venue has a poured natural concrete floor with simple, white crackle-glazed tiles to the perimeter elevations and painted brick evoking an un-intimidating space where people feel comfortable, with the staff and guests providing the colour and warmth.
An open kitchen is protected by an over 5-metre long pass counter that doubles as a waiter station and storage unit.
The joinery features honest details with a subtle contrast in woods with rich Iroko and warm, waxed Oak.
Across the dining room, there is only one style of seat setting – a two-person table shrouded by reclaimed Ercol stick back chairs, a reference to long-lasting quality of British design.
The ceiling is gridded with large grey industrial lights reclaimed from an aerospace factory in Coventry suspended within the concrete coffers of the existing ceiling.
The minimalist-style open kitchen.
Industrial lights reclaimed from an aerospace factory in Coventry.
Throughout we drew influence from the buildings mid-20th century industrial history.