The London Shell Co., The Thames

Project Overview

This project involved designing and building a bespoke wine wall for The London Shell Co., a restaurant vessel moored on the Thames. Operating in a confined space presented a unique challenge: the client required an elegant, functional storage solution that would maximise capacity while minimising footprint. Sorrells was selected for our expertise in delivering custom, space-efficient designs, with the ability to fabricate a striking, freestanding feature that would suit the operational demands of a busy restaurant.

  • 110 bottles within standard racking
  • 18 bottles on scallop racking
  • Additional shelving for accessories or more bottles
  • Oak
  • Glass
  • 360-degree design
  • Freestanding unit
  • Additional shelving for wine accessories & tools

306-degree design

The wine wall is a freestanding structure constructed entirely in oak, designed to allow full 360-degree visibility from all sides. Positioned centrally within the dining space, it serves both as a storage solution and a visual focal point. Its compact, circular footprint maximises capacity while preserving valuable floor space aboard the vessel. The oak finish provides durability and a natural aesthetic that complements the interior of The Grand Duchess, while the open design ensures the entire collection remains visible to diners and easily accessible to staff.

Space Efficient Footprint

The wine wall was designed specifically to address the spatial constraints of operating aboard a vessel. Its compact, circular footprint ensures minimal floor space is used, while still providing storage for over 100 bottles. This efficient use of space enables smooth service flow and preserves seating capacity, demonstrating how bespoke design can overcome architectural challenges without compromising functionality.

Shelving for wine accessories and spirits

Integrated shelving for glassware and wine accessories was incorporated into the upper section of the wine wall. This addition ensures that essential service items are stored within easy reach, supporting the operational needs of the restaurant. The shelving was designed to complement the overall structure, using the same oak finish for consistency, while making efficient use of vertical space above the racking system.

The freestanding oak wine wall was positioned at the heart of the dining area, providing 360-degree visibility of the collection. Storage capacity exceeds 100 bottles, configured to optimise space while maintaining ease of access during service. The design combines standard racking at the base, scallop racking above, and shelving for glassware. Every component was made in-house, ensuring consistency in craftsmanship and finish. The result is a functional storage feature that integrates into the restaurant’s operations and complements its interior.