Freshen Up for Isla Ray

I’ve got a soft spot for Isla Ray café after they donated their back wall for my Deptford: Warp and Weft mural last year. So when owner Rachael got in touch to ask whether I’d like to freshen up the shop-front I was delighted. Those who’ve been to Isla Ray know that the inside is chill and colourful, like your front room (but a little cooler) with a tropical twist.

The outside, however, was a plain black facade and barely hinted at all the treasures inside. Rachael and I worked together to cook up a sun-soaked beachfront design in a palette of ochres, blues, greens and pinks.

Cafe front before

Design for new front

Of course, no mural is painted without drama! I had a handful of free days left before disappearing to the countryside for my scenic painting course. Being January, the days were short and the weather was not playing nice. Luckily I had Ciarán on hand to paint alongside me in the rain, just wishing and hoping the paint dried and didn’t run!

In the end of course, it was only gorgeous. So pop by Isla Ray and check out their new evening menu, grab a pint and take in a slice of island living in the middle of Deptford High Street.