After being a revolutionary hotspot in Paris for more than 60 years, the brasserie at Publicis Drugstore, at the very top of the Champs-Élysées, has undergone a renovation by Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio. Renamed Le Drugstore, the new bar and restaurant is located on the ground floor of the iconic shopping and entertainment complex at 133 Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
Founded in 1958 by Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet, founder of the world-renowned advertising agency Publicis Group, the drugstore was designed to bring American bar culture to the Parisian public. Tom Dixon Design Research Studio has simplified and enhanced the interior architecture to highlight a broad palette of finishes and materials. The timber walls and marble bars are complimented by deep tones of oxblood upholstery and brass fixtures as a contemporary take on the glamourous Sixties.
The lounge is inspired by the gentleman’s study and offers a more intimate and relaxed dining experience. Framed by a bespoke brass and reeded glass bookcase, it provides privacy and blurring the boundary between the retail and dining space. The lounge features a collection of the new Tom Dixon Micro Wingback chairs, upholstered in a charcoal grey and deep yellow wool. An open kitchen and patisserie serves as a window onto the world class cuisine of Éric Frechon, three Michelin starred at Epicure – Hotel Le Bristol Paris.
An exclusive range of seating has been designed especially for Le Drugstore comprising of dining and low and high bar stools. Fabricated in steel and upholstered for maximum comfort in leather and fabric, the range is inspired by a 1950’s collection created for Publicis Drugstore by Mathieu Matégot, the celebrated Mid-Century French decorator.
The 350m2 interior is warmly lit with the main feature being an illuminated coffered ceiling featuring Tom Dixon’s copper Melt Surface light which launched at Milan’s Salone del Mobile in April 2017.
This simple but luxe palette is sympathetically translated in the conservatory and seasonal terrace. Both spaces embrace the flood of natural light acting as refreshing daytime alternative to the sultry evening mood of the brasserie’s interior. Tones of natural green, the texture of rattan and the warmth of brass bring a sense of calm, tactile comfort and understated glamour to the bustling atmosphere of the 8th arrondissement in uncompromising style.
all images courtesy of Design Research Studio