The Blues Kitchen in Shoreditch has recently opened, complete with a striking faience-fronted bar made from ceramic tiles by Craven Dunnill Jackfield. Victorian in its inspiration, the bar revives a British tradition dating back to the 1880s.

The vast tile-fronted bar dominates the interior and measures around 35 linear metres.

The opulent central motif features a mythical lion’s head, embellished with swags and fruit. The deeply textured relief tiles are made using hand-carved plaster moulds and decorated using metal oxide glazes which craze upon firing to create an authentic aged effect.

Specialist tile company Craven Dunnill Jackfield was responsible for the project, from design to hand-manufacturing the tiles and then factory-mounting the tiles onto panels for rapid installation on site.  The lead time for the project was short – less than four months from the initial conversations to the installation of the faience bar front, back bar wall tiles and floor.

The bar installation is a stunning piece of ceramic craftsmanship, authentic to a Victorian bar from a bygone era.  It is robust and hard-wearing and able to withstand the hustle and bustle of a busy, stylish themed bar.

The Blues Kitchen Shoreditch is part of the Columbo Group. The spacious diner serves great American classics and New Orleans food. The eclectic interior style successfully combines a rusting, panelled ceiling, multi-coloured tables made from wood, garage forecourt accessories and exposed brick walls adorned with atmospheric publicity material, featuring Fats Waller, Mary Williams, BB King and the like.

Craven Dunnill Jackfield Tel: 00 44 (0)1952 884124  www.cravendunnill-jackfield.co.uk