Faye Toogood's vision for the Holy Carrot's second establishment in London's Spitalfields Market seamlessly blends historical context with contemporary plant-based dining. Through a thoughtful selection of utilitarian materials and artistic elements, the design narrates the rich history of the market while celebrating the restaurant's ethos of connection to the earth and sustainable sustenance. The interior spaces are meticulously designed to offer a unique and immersive experience, from the light-filled main dining area to the intimate, earthy-toned orangery and the distinctly atmospheric basement facilities, showcasing a harmonious fusion of functionality and artistic expression.
The renowned Studio Toogood, under the guidance of its founder Faye Toogood, undertook the interior design for Holy Carrot's new location, situated at the vibrant Spitalfields Market in East London. This market, with origins tracing back to the thirteenth century, provided a profound source of inspiration. Toogood deliberately chose practical, robust materials such as linoleum flooring and powder-coated steel for the furniture, drawing parallels to the market's past as a bustling Victorian hub for fruit and vegetable vendors. This material palette not only nods to history but also ensures durability and a clean, minimalist aesthetic.
The main dining area, bathed in natural light streaming through three impressive arched windows, features pristine white-tiled walls that extend a sense of openness and freshness. This bright environment contrasts beautifully with the warm, inviting tones of dark wood tables topped with burnt orange surfaces, complemented by understated timber dining chairs. A standout feature is the bespoke bar area, lined with unique fleecy stools on steel legs, above which hangs a captivating hand-painted mural. This artwork, depicting an ethereal, blush-pink landscape dotted with brown mushrooms, acts as a central artistic statement, invoking themes of nature and organic growth.
Adjacent to the bar, another mural, characteristic of Toogood's distinct drawing style, illustrates two fluid, tree-like forms above the open kitchen. Toogood expressed that these murals are intended to deepen the diner's connection to the earth and the food they consume, symbolizing soil, nourishment, decomposition, and endless regeneration. Beyond the main dining space, a bright orangery extends the restaurant, offering a semi-private area with its own entrance directly to the market. This extension is defined by a sandy-hued, hand-painted curtain that can encircle the entire room, alongside custom sconce lights crafted from repurposed bamboo baskets, further emphasizing the restaurant's commitment to natural materials and artisan craft.
In the lower level, the restroom area is transformed into an immersive, softly lit sanctuary. Clad in glazed red and orange tiles, it creates a cozy, enveloping atmosphere. This area also serves as a small waiting space, furnished with distinctive pieces by Toogood herself, including her plush Gummy armchair and the unique ceramic Cobble side table. These contemporary designs are thoughtfully paired with a vintage 1960s petal floor lamp, acquired from a specialized retailer, adding a touch of timeless elegance and personal history to the setting.
The entire design scheme, with its predominant earthy tones, was meticulously chosen to harmonize with Head Chef Daniel Watkins's innovative plant-based menu. Dishes ranging from coal-roasted leeks to "sexy" tofu are presented within an environment that reinforces the ingredients' natural origins and the culinary philosophy. This second Holy Carrot outpost follows the success of its first permanent location on London's Portobello Road, which debuted in 2024 with interiors designed by Al-Jawad Pike. The Spitalfields project not only expands the Holy Carrot brand but also solidifies Studio Toogood's reputation for creating evocative, contextually rich spaces that resonate with both history and modern sensibilities.