Photo credit: Nick Dearden (Building Narratives)
Photo credit: Nick Dearden (Building Narratives)

Inside Nebula, London City Island’s Chic New Bar and Restaurant, Evolved from a Former Grocery Store

The former restaurant and grocery space turned into a stylish hybrid bar and restaurant Nebula is welcoming the local community of London City Island following its transformation by Common Ground Workshop. The uniqueness of this bar/restaurant is that during the day it turns into a casual cafe, thanks to its minimalistic design. Its freshly renovated terrace next to the River Lea is an excellent addition to the hospitable and spacious interior area.

Photo credit: Nick Dearden (Building Narratives)
Photo credit: Nick Dearden (Building Narratives)
Photo credit: Nick Dearden (Building Narratives)
Photo credit: Nick Dearden (Building Narratives)
Photo credit: Nick Dearden (Building Narratives)
Photo credit: Nick Dearden (Building Narratives)

As the focal point here is the cuisine, the design remains as casual and relaxed as possible—with interior design full of warm materials and timber, terrazzo, and ceramic tiles. Wooden details are emphasized by the light fittings, while brick and concrete walls provide spatial connectivity and blend with the timber linings and plasterboard surfaces.

Photo credit: Nick Dearden (Building Narratives)
Photo credit: Nick Dearden (Building Narratives)
Photo credit: Nick Dearden (Building Narratives)
Photo credit: Nick Dearden (Building Narratives)
Photo credit: Nick Dearden (Building Narratives)
Photo credit: Nick Dearden (Building Narratives)

Minimalistic colors combined with oak furniture provide a stern appearance of the place. Harmonizing the grey shades of the overall interior are the light pink glossy ceramic tiles in the bar area, creating a lighter look and contrasting the prevalent concrete surfaces. Opposing the colors, the forms of the furniture are more playful—with round and curved pieces—adding vintage ambiance to Nebula.

Photo credit: Nick Dearden (Building Narratives)
Photo credit: Nick Dearden (Building Narratives)
Photo credit: Nick Dearden (Building Narratives)
Photo credit: Nick Dearden (Building Narratives)
Photo credit: Nick Dearden (Building Narratives)
Photo credit: Nick Dearden (Building Narratives)
Photo credit: Nick Dearden (Building Narratives)
Photo credit: Nick Dearden (Building Narratives)