034 PROJECT 1
Above The vaulted ceilings brought with them character, but also design challenges
themed artifacts, which harks back to Queen Elizabeth I’s love of horses. A spiral staircase decends into the vaults where the full scale and impact of venue is revealed. Here, brick walls and arches of the vaults, which once stored goods such as the spices and silks sold above, provide the structural framework for the Libertine’s various hospitality spaces including a main bar, a stylish restaurant for 90 guests, as well as a relaxed dining area with an open kitchen, a private dining room and apothecary.
At the entrance to the vaults is a bespoke illuminated whiskey display, which provides an impactful backdrop to the host desk – an antique tobacconist’s counter sourced by Studio Found. The main vault houses a huge 14m-long bar, which creates a focal point. Illuminated glazed antique brass framework spans the vault arches, while four exposed copper 1,000 litre beer tanks add an element of scale and drama. The materials and textures selected give the venue has a more contemporary and premium edge coupled with a palette to provide a rich base. Walk through an archway by the side of the main bar, and you reach the restaurant. Here, elevated design features and high-quality finishes, such as specially designed leather banquettes, a 4m custom wine display, and bespoke lighting designed by Studio Found, add to the feeling of luxury. To the rear of the main bar, there’s a more informal dining area with loose banquette seating leading to an open
kitchen and pass at one end which provides a sense of theatre and a focal point. In this area, the challenge of low-hanging existing services was overcome by creating a charred timber and rattan ceiling feature – a visual nod to its historical fires – which obscure these elements. Off the main vault, there’s also an apothecary – an intimate space that can be sectioned off for private events. As a nod to its history, this area is dressed and designed with old bottles and other apothecary artefacts set in a bespoke piece of joinery specially commissioned for this space.
Within each of the different areas of The Libertine, detail of materials, finishes and fixtures have been carefully thought out by Studio Found. Specialist consultants were commissioned to create bespoke pieces such as the fun, modern portraits of the characters who might have frequented the Exchange. ‘As a boutique design studio, we are very proud of what we have achieved in transforming this prestigious, historical listed space into a multi-functional hospitality venue, the likes not seen before in the City of London,’ comments Plumb. ‘We have enjoyed working on every aspect of the project, from researching its history, handling the complex planning application, to devising and delivering a design concept that paid its respects to the space, while bringing intriguing and interesting details and surprises. We are confident that many people will enjoy drinking and dining at The Libertine and keep coming back.’
KEY SUPPLIERS
Lighting Studio Found
studiofound.co.uk Northern Lighting
northern-lights.co.uk Lighting Corporation
lightcorporation.com
Furniture Hillcross
hillcrossfurniture.co.uk Contract Chair Company
thecontractchair.co.uk Studio Found
studiofound.co.uk Atlas
atlascontractfurniture.com
Art consultants Indigo Art
indigoart.co.uk
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