Maison Trois Garçons is now Counter Albion
The demure cream and black exterior of Maison Trois Garçons gives nothing away, but fans of the Les Trois Garçons’ portfolio expecting a significant level of flamboyance won’t be disappointed on entering the Shoreditch café and retail space. Where most shops settle for a bell above the front door to announce the arrival of a customer to staff, the three boys’ places feel like they should have a gizmo exclaiming “ta-dah” purely for the visitors’ benefit.
While the café where ‘everything’ is for sale may not be as overtly ostentatious as the trio’s celebrated restaurant, it’s not exactly shy and retiring either. The ceiling hugging balloon lights and large red illuminated Wizard of Oz sign behind the counter grabs the attention on entering, and sets the tone for the rest of this corner property project, yet while Maison shares the same love of vintage objects as its older sibling, it does so in a more sparing and relaxed way. Highlights for us are the glazed ceramic tiles on the tabletops, a collection of chairs that might have come from a 1950s scout hut, and the extra bit of café space at the back, away from the bustle of the shop.
Photography, Paul Raeside
