Red Deer Architects design pistachio green deli and restaurant for new Lina Stores at King’s Cross

Having previously designed Lina Stores first restaurant, which opened in Soho in 2018, Red Deer’s King’s Cross project is the newest and largest site to date, combining restaurant and iconic delicatessen together for the first time. Now both a pasta restaurant and deli, the new venue celebrates the 75^th anniversary of Lina Store’s historic Brewer Street deli which opened its doors in 1944.

Located in London’s Granary Square on Stable Street, the new site is set within a Victoria transit shed, one of the last remaining heritage buildings in King’s Cross. The 127-cover venue features many recognisable Lina Stores elements, including its famous pistachio green and white colour palette.

Key design elements for the new site include a bespoke marble green and white floor, retro mosaics and reclaimed original opaline globe lights, sourced from the historic deli’s early days – now illuminating the large new space. The famous pistachio green and white stripes that are synonymous with Lina Stores brand identity feature in the washrooms.

When conceiving the design concept, architect Gianna Pagliarulo wanted to celebrate Lina Stores history and journey through time. Beginning with the deli, a green tiles counter and generously filled product shelves reflects the original Brewer Street site. Within the main dining space, the interiors echo the design of the Greek Street site, with a dining counter that transforms the King’s Cross venue into a large theatrical kitchen stage where diners can eat whist watching the kitchen. Private booths are covered by Dutch canopies, and long banquettes provide more intimate seating.

Photography: Mariell Lind Hansen