Request a callback from the Rap Interiors team

01622 663232

Email us

Close form

About the Client

Bubble Tea originated in Taiwan in the 1980s. The jazzy beverage spread like wild fire through the Asian continent before finding the shores of North America, Australia, Europe and, finally, Brighton with the Pearls Bubble Tea shop!

Shop interior design for Pearls Bubble Tea in Eastbourne Shop interior design for Pearls Bubble Tea in Eastbourne

Client Brief

Pearls contacted us to design and fit out a second bubble tea shop at The Beacon shopping centre Eastbourne, Sussex. A key part of the remit was to replicate some of the Brighton Bubble Tea shop design, so Pearls invited our workspace interior design to the existing space to observe the interior details.

Additionally, Pearls drew on some things that needed to be improved in the Brighton store design to ensure the space was safe and functional as well as inviting.

Pearls Bubble Tea commercial retail signage with LED back light Pearls Bubble Tea commercial retail signage with LED back light
Retail interior design and fit out for Pearls Bubble Tea Sussex Retail interior design and fit out for Pearls Bubble Tea Sussex

Our Retail Fit Out Solution

One of the challenges of the project was the ceiling work. Initially, Pearls wanted to introduce wooden baffles on the ceiling similar to that of a KFC store. However, due to the weight of baffles and the structure of the ceiling, this would be difficult to achieve. To resolve the issue, our interior designers introduced a new structural ceiling support and lighter wooden panels. Not only did these elements help to fulfil this part of the design brief, but allowed us to install lighting and hanging screens for digital menus.

For the serving counter, we had to work closely with Pearls to ensure it met the needs of the staff members. When the joinery was going into manufacture, we assisted with a number of bespoke design elements specified by Pearls. These included an upstand for the tea ingredients, a counter flap for easy staff access, the till point, and a till drawer which had to be specially integrated into a lowered section on the counter.

Pearls also wanted to introduce a backlit sign on the front of the counter to make it more of a feature and draw people in. To allow for this, our design team had to configure the till area with the electrical point of for the LED backlight in mind. The sign at the back of the space was also designed with the backlight effect, making for a bright, vibrant addition to the design scheme.

Other key features of the shop interior include a drink preparation area with stainless steel storage and acoustic slat decorations to complement the ceiling work. Furthermore, we created a new shop front with a large Pearls Bubble Tea sign and bespoke tea cup glass manifestation for a colourful finish.

Pearls bubble tea retail design and fit out Sussex

The Results

Through working closely with Rap Interiors’ design team, Pearls now has a stunning new retail facility that’s practical and visually arresting. The space contains many of the design themes from the Brighton store, ensuring brand consistency across both locations. This will enable Pearls to strengthen its position on the Sussex coast and continue to build the brand in the UK. Following the work, we are also delighted to say that Pearls Bubble Tea has already proved popular amongst the young people of Eastbourne.

Related Projects