ID / Lighting the interior of Adventure Bar & Lounge at Covent Garden by Light Bureau
 |
A new Covent Garden venue, the fourth in central London owned and operated by the growing cocktail chain – Adventure Bar & Lounge. Light Bureau are please to have provided architectural lighting design to the 160msq subterranean basement bar in Bedford Street close to the piazza. Working closely with interior designer, Sophie Hibberd, Light Bureau have produced a dramatic solution relying on some simple theatrical techniques whilst producing comfortable lighting to booths for customers to relax and drink. |
This is quite an achievement as Light Bureau Director Paul Nulty explains; “The key to the success of the bar lighting has been to keep it simple, the budget for lighting was very tight, the total expenditure on lighting, including controls is just £4,000.00 so we had to be very creative with some of the details and resourceful with regards specification of luminaires. The entire project, from concept to completing commissioning was undertaken in just 8 weeks so we also had to keep an eye on availability.”
The key lighting features within the space are the trademark clusters of light bulbs over the bar areas and entrance foyer which provide visual emphasis and sparkle. The foyer is particularly important for attracting passing trade as the bar entrance is narrow so the feature has to be eye-catching.
“The client was keen for the space to be as permeable as possible so as to draw the eye (and customers) into the bar” explains Nulty; “the vista from the bottom of the stair was key to this as it sets the first impression and tone of the Adventure experience.” Light Bureau achieved this by utilizing a Mode Lighting control system that enables the illuminance levels to be carefully balanced across the bar. “The light levels at the rear of the bar are subtly higher than the front area which pulls the eye into the space” continues Nulty.
The banquet seats are illuminated with dimmable fluorescent light fittings that graze light across fair-faced brick, revealing texture and creating a dramatic feature out of the barrel vaulted ceilings while also being low-energy. The use of low-energy lighting behind the banquets and WC mirrors ensures that the design still complies with current UK energy legislation and will be easy for the owners to maintain in the future.
Thomas Kidd, Director of Adventure Bar & Lounge is particularly pleased with the new bar “We really pushed the design team to give us as much value as possible from our budget without compromising quality or the Adventure Bar experience. What we have is a space that is both flexible and dramatic, meeting the needs of our business and creating a welcoming space for our customers”.
You can find out for yourself at 20 Bedford Street, Covent Garden, London.
Photgraphy: Light Bureau
Interior Design: Sophie Hibberd
Lighting Design: Light Bureau
Suppliers: Encapsulite UK, Mode Lighting, CEF
Nice lightings
Using the light to lead the visitors to the bar was a great design technique. Its also true from a designers point of view, that a visitors first impression of the place comes from the first thing they see, which is usually the entrance signage.
I love the interior design, it is very modern and exciting- it just looks welcoming and if i went, i probably wont be able to leave.
Superb pics!!!Lightnings are simply outstanding!!!!!!
Hi, loved the pictures, the industrial feel evoked by the exposed brickwork and the lighting is very in keeping with the feel of Covent Garden. We’ve just finished a project for a gastro club in South London, we’d love to hear your comments too.
Great images. How is the lighting under the bar configured? Is there a protective sheet to protect the bulbs? I was thinking that people could be tempted to put their hands under the bar. Otherwise I love the concept!
The use of lighting has been very well demonstrated by your pictures.
Great article
Lovely lighting techniques. Fantastic job
I love this. It reminds me of the new bar that’s just been opened in Paris by David Lynch
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/aug/31/david-lynch-disco-paris
very atmospheric !
Looks like such a welcoming and comfortable environment to have a drink in. Great work by the design team!
Nice – I hope the music is as cool as the design
I like lighting effect, you used in lounge. It is very creative.
Looking so great.
beautiful interiors! the lighting effect is so classy. looks amazing!
The Edison light bulbs over the bar are awesome. Very cool interior.
Cool festoon lights! hanging at the top of the bar counter, wow! Keep on sharing and good luck!
Such a lovely setup, and the lights are very inviting. It sets the mood for a cozy and fun night out for family and friends. Such a lovely place!
You had quite a range of challenges to deal with. Great job. I will definitely visit the place, as it is not far from home.
Lovely design, the lights make the look perfect, it changes the whole display.
Great space!
Clear glass pendant are a perfect addition to the bar’s simple yet stunning decor.
nice lighting ….and it’s design
the perfect lighting creats a very dramatic effect and crabs an immediate attention. great job
Wow! This is great picture, I like this…