Tom Brown to open oyster bar and restaurant Pearly Queen

Chef Tom Brown is set to launch an oyster bar and restaurant, the Pearly Queen, in London’s Shoreditch on 11 November.

Brown, who founded Cornerstone in London’s Hackney in April 2018, returns to East London with a menu that focuses on oysters, shellfish and sea-cuterie.

He has partnered with Max Venning of Dalston bar Three Sheets to create a selection of coastal-inspired cocktails, including the Pearly Martini, which can be paired to bar snacks such as shellfish hummus. A pint of Guinness with shucked oysters will also be available.

Pearly Queen will be open for lunch and dinner service, featuring dishes such as crispy buffalo oysters with ranch dressing; shellfish platters with seaweed aioli and burnt tomato ketchup; and the ‘100-layer’ cuttlefish lasagne.

The 60-cover restaurant spreads across two floors and will feature an upstairs East End boozer-style bar with counter seating and a downstairs dining area with banquettes and secret cubbies.

The space has been designed by AN-RD and pays homage to the name of the restaurant with its shell edges, mother of pearl inlays and opulent textures. Artwork by London artist and Olivia Rose will also be on display.

Commenting on the opening, Brown said: “The last few years for the restaurant trade has been pure survival and I see Pearly Queen as an expression of that sprit. It’s the result of a massive team effort; everyone involved working hard and championing the British seafood industry, just like those early Pearly Queen traders who took something raw and turned it into something beautiful.”