Michaelis Boyd — El Pastór — Borough Market, London, UK
London-based architectural practice, Michaelis Boyd, has just completed work on El Pastór, a vibrant new taqueria in the heart of Borough Market that pays homage to the vibrancy of Mexico City and the mighty ‘al pastor’ taco. Inspired by the local food markets and colourful displays of Mexico City, Michaelis Boyd have created a ‘mezcaleria’ using dazzling emerald green conglomerate marble. The back wall of the bar contains a purpose built shelving unit for storing fresh fruits and glass bottles in the same way they are found in the markets of Mexico.
Most of the tables are bar counter height with bright and vibrant glazed Pyrolave tabletops. Pyrolave is created from slabs of natural lava rock, which is then glazed and fired at very high temperatures to create a hardwearing vitreous finish in an array of vibrant mottled colours. The polished concrete floor includes two manhole covers located at the two different ends of the restaurant. Dramatic 3.5 metre high custom designed arched windows, embellished with art deco details fill the back of the space to create a sense of spectacle. Bright colours and bold artwork are also located in different parts of the restaurant to conjure up the vibrant colours and atmosphere of Mexico City.