DesignLSM have completed work on the launch of an exciting new dining concept – ‘Fancy Crab’ based in Marylebone, London. The concept behind Fancy Crab was to create a dedicated seafood restaurant specialising in the finest ingredient of Red King crab, which is freshly sourced from the Northern backwaters of the Atlantic Ocean. DesignLSM’s brief was to encapsulate the provenance of the Red King Crab into the interior and branding of the scheme; creating a refined dining destination that would attract city workers and tourists within the area.

Located within the bustling area of Wigmore Street, the 477sqm site is set across two floors consisting of a main restaurant and an intimate downstairs dining area suitable for private dining and events. On arrival into the restaurant, guests are greeted into an open and inviting space featuring exposed brickwork, colour pops in bespoke leather seating and an arresting wall graphic illustrating an evocative image of ‘the star of the show’ the Red King Crab. The prominent feature is the central marble crab station, where the crustacean is expertly prepared behind a protective glass screen, injecting a glorious sense of culinary theatre into the space.

Our design team have carefully curated elements into the scheme such as the fishing rod booth lighting, fish scale tiles and bespoke fisherman basket chandeliers creating an engaging and inviting atmosphere that relates to the brands playful persona. In contrast, the downstairs dining area has a warm and atmospheric ambience, designed with intimate seating booths, opulent mirrors and soft pendant lighting. A feature cocktail bar holds a striking presence in the space with its rich facade and fine metal cladded top.

Our branding team created a visually arresting logo that alludes to the tussled, sea-torn Atlantic Ocean origins of the produce and the process involved in capturing the ‘monster of the deep’. The kitsch references continue with the ‘Insta-friendly’ graphic wall in the bathrooms – where our designers recreated and ‘twisted’ iconic book covers to feature the King himself! The overall design scheme holds a bold and playful aesthetic with an understated nautical theme that immerses diners into a truly unique dining experience.

Design: DesignLSM