From its riverside location on London’s vibrant South Bank: KERB at The Understudy features a line-up of delicious, diverse, independent food and drink, in one of the city’s most iconic cultural institutions - the National Theatre

Responding to the National Theatre's Grade II* listed status, our approach was primarily inspired by the incredible history and architecture of the building. Our brief was to align the former café space with the famous Understudy bar, creating a cohesive and accessible space for all, with the introduction of KERB traders and a new bar to ease busy periods at the theatre.

With the conservation management plan and the heritage of the building as a guide, we designed and built an interior space that reflected the ethos of the National Theatre's inclusivity whilst also being warm and inviting with incredible ‘curtain-raising’ features. Timber-clad walls, framed poster artwork from the archive, a rolled steel bar and theatre-style feature lighting all help to transform the space into a destination for all to enjoy.

Photography: Joe Howard
www.jwhowardphotography.com