The removable champagne bar at the Paul Hamlyn Hall, within The Royal Opera House.
The brief was to create an elegant and accessible experience for the thousands of theatregoers who move swiftly through the Paul Hamlyn Hall Restaurant and Balconies Restaurant at The Royal Opera House.
The key element to the design was to include the main bar that could be removed from the space. In addition, it was requested that the seating areas and balcony section within the hall were refreshed and updated.
In order to improve the environment, we addressed the fixtures and fittings whilst being aware that the overall Look and Feel remained in keeping with the elegance and grandeur of the hall.
In our design, it was important to us that we were sympathetic to the existing structure and aware of the operational requirements of the space.
We carefully considered the volume of people that pass through the Royal Opera House, especially during intermission. The bar was designed to have multiple serving points and be made from lightweight and durable materials. The material choice offered the opportunity to remove the bar, to create a flexible function hall.
The lighting was designed to draw punters away from the bar, negating the possibility of congestion.
Oval 13.5m long champagne bar.
We designed a jewel-like 13.5m long champagne bar. The bar’s oval shape allows patrons to be served from all sides and food offers are easily visible.
Punters can be served at the bar from all sides.
Balcony dining.
Lightweight and durable materials were chosen for the bar.
Table lamps nestle in surrounding shelves. gently illuminating the bar. An existing mirror wall was extended to the floor, providing a striking addition to the grand room.
Our design allows for three layout options, affording flexibility for the varied use of the hall. For internal performances within the Opera House, the bar remains one piece placed within the centre of the space. For external events, the bar is broken into sections and placed in different areas of the room. The final option is the removal of the bar to create an empty space.
We created a warm and more efficient lighting system, suitable for different times of the day. The lighting was designed to draw punters away from the bar, negating the possibility of congestion. Intimate lighting was installed at the edges of the space, encouraging guests to explore the whole space.
The overall Look and Feel remained in keeping with the elegance and grandeur of the hall.
We carefully considered the volume of people that pass through the Royal Opera House.
For internal performances within the Opera House, the bar remains one piece.