A-nrd converts former bank into Lina Stores Shoreditch and Bar Lina

Local studio A-nrd has transformed a former London bank into the latest outpost of Italian restaurant chain Lina Stores, contrasting its historic architecture with contemporary elements. Located in Shoreditch, London, the two-storey space is divided between a ground-floor dining room that celebrates the building's Victorian roots and Bar Lina, an intimate basement cocktail bar. The The post A-nrd converts former bank into Lina Stores Shoreditch and Bar Lina appeared first on Dezeen.

A-nrd converts former bank into Lina Stores Shoreditch and Bar Lina

Local studio A-nrd has transformed a former London bank into the latest outpost of Italian restaurant chain Lina Stores, contrasting its historic architecture with contemporary elements.

Located in Shoreditch, London, the two-storey space is divided between a ground-floor dining room that celebrates the building's Victorian roots and Bar Lina, an intimate basement cocktail bar.

The Grade II-listed building served as a rich architectural backdrop for A-nrd, which sought to preserve and highlight its original features while incorporating new design elements that align with Lina Stores' identity.

Exterior of Lina Stores Shoreditch by A-nrd — A-nrd has transformed a former bank into Lina Stores Shoreditch

"As a studio, we always focus on valorising the existing architecture of a space," A-nrd founder Alessio Nardi told Dezeen.

"The building has undergone numerous modifications over the years as a high street bank, many of which were unsympathetic," he continued.

"It was great to strip that back to reveal the original features, which we wanted to celebrate and build into the design concept."

Dining area of Lina Stores Shoreditch by A-nrd — The studio restored the building's original features

The studio restored the building's original mosaic tiled floors, coffered ceilings, floorboards, timber panelled walls and steel columns, while plaster walls were left exposed to "add authenticity and charm" to the space, the studio said.

One side of the restaurant features a wall-to-wall bar and open-plan kitchen with pistachio-green Formica counters topped with dark oak. Arched alcoves were repurposed as back bars, their curves accentuated by tilted mirror tops.

Arched alcoves of Lina Stores Shoreditch by A-nrd — Arched alcoves were repurposed as back bars

Bespoke banquette seating, designed by the studio, frames the main restaurant window area and adjacent wall, while a mix of square dark-oak bistro tables and circular accent tables are interspersed throughout the rest of the eatery.

At the centre of the dining area, a trio of custom curved benches upholstered in a 1950s green striped fabric by textile company Tibor creates a visual focal point.

Exposed walls of Lina Stores Shoreditch by A-nrd — The plaster walls were left exposed

"Tibor has been around since 1946, so there was a natural mid-century connection to Lina Stores and its branding," A-nrd creative partner Lukas Persakovas explained.

"While not overtly obvious, the weave of the Tibor fabrics nods to the stripes of the Lina Stores branding."

Curved benches of Lina Stores Shoreditch by A-nrd — Custom curved benches were upholstered in a green striped fabric by Tibor

The dining area's palette of varying green tones anchors the design to Lina Stores' brand identity.

"We kept the palette very concise as our goal was to evolve the palette associated with the Lina Stores brand whilst retaining a sense of familiarity," Nardi said.

"All materials were inspired by Lina Stores' heritage and also in line with the architectural backdrop."

In contrast, Bar Lina takes on a sultry, retro aesthetic inspired by 1970s New York glamour. Here, the studio layered red marble, chrome, back-painted glass, velvet and leather in deep burgundy tones.

The centrepiece of the bar is a long monolithic communal table crafted from Rosso Levanto marble, flanked by mahogany leather-upholstered bar stools with brushed-steel bases.

Communal table of Lina Stores Shoreditch by A-nrd — A monolithic marble communal table sits at the heart of the bar

The ceilings and walls were painted in a high-gloss dark burgundy hue, complemented by floor-to-ceiling curtains in the same shade.

The vault of the former bank, complete with its original metal door, was transformed into a semi-private booth lined with dark red carpets and matching upholstery.

Glossy walls of Lina Stores Shoreditch by A-nrd — The ceilings and walls were painted in a dark burgundy hue

The studio utilised lighting to create contrasting ambiences between the ground-floor dining area and the basement bar.

Upstairs, custom fixtures with arched brushed-steel stems and opaque globe shades, designed by A-nrd in collaboration with lighting design studio LightsOn, were chosen to "create a visual balance between the low seating and high ceilings".

Bank vault booth of Lina Stores Shoreditch by A-nrd — The bank vault was transformed into a semi-private booth

In the bar, a mix of wall sconces, brass pendant lights and a vintage chrome chandelier provide a soft wash of illumination.

"We wanted to create different moods – one for relaxed dining and one for late-night drinks and music," Nardi explained.

"The concepts for the main restaurant and Bar Lina were both in response to the architecture of the building."

Lighting of Lina Stores Shoreditch by A-nrd — Lighting was used to create contrasting ambiances between the spaces

Founded by Alessio Nardi and creative partner Lukas Persakovas in 2015, A-nrd is a London-based practice specialising in interior and furniture design.

The studio has previously designed the interiors of Birch Selsdon, a hotel set within a 19th-century mansion, and a restaurant designed to evoke a laidback "beachfront feel".

The photography is by Adam Firman.

The post A-nrd converts former bank into Lina Stores Shoreditch and Bar Lina appeared first on Dezeen.