The Alchemist, Victoria (London)
Services | Bar / Restaurant Interior Design
Building upon the success of the 2022 award-winning redesign for The Alchemist’s Manchester Spinningfields site, DesignLSM unveils one of its latest projects with the client, an exciting new opening located in the heart of London, next to Victoria train station.
Having evolved the brand's DNA, crafting a compelling narrative centered around cosmic alchemy, the team set out to deliver yet another dynamic drinking and dining destination that would distinguish itself within the Capital’s forever-evolving hospitality scene.
Design inspiration
The design concept takes influence from the local area and its historic roots from the Victorian era - a pivotal period that catalysed scientific breakthrough.
Drawing inspiration from this, the captivating concept for the bar pays homage to the significant strides made during this period, with the pioneering discovery of parallax - accurately measuring and mapping out the stars in relation to us, providing a revolutionary understanding that the cosmos is a vast three-dimensional space. Incorporating this transfixing revelation, the design ingeniously plays with perspective and illusion throughout.
Design details
An enchanting entrance tunnel sets the tone for the journey ahead, guiding guests through a celestial portal into a realm where time and space converge. Illuminated by dramatic lighting, the tunnel beckons with its ethereal glow, inviting patrons to embark on a transcendent voyage through the cosmos.
At the heart of the venue, the illuminated central bar, adorned with a symmetrical arched design lighting feature brings a theatrical feel to the space as it sits against a backdrop of moody hues, vivid bursts of colours and metallic finishes.
The walls are adorned with mesmerising projection artwork onto mesh and mirror, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, mimicking the vast expanse of space dotted with celestial bodies. Whilst curated celestial motifs, solar manifestations, and space-inspired lighting delivers subtle nods to astronomical phenomena, intimate seating alcoves, opulent materials and intentional curved forms instill a touch of glamour.
The results
Having successfully delivered re-designs of the brand’s venues in Manchester (Spinningfields, New York Street and MediaCity), Newcastle, and Oxford, DesignLSM is set to implement The Alchemist’s transformative design DNA into three existing locations across the estate this year, each having their own distinct identity in line with the evolved narrative, with the Victoria site being the latest addition to the impressive portfolio.
The Alchemist Brand Director, Jenny McPhee says “We’ve loved working with DesignLSM on refreshing our existing venues across the UK. DesignLSM have fully grasped our celestial redesign and been incredible collaborators so it was inevitable that we would work together in bringing our vision to life in our London Victoria venue”.
The Alchemist, Manchester
Spinningfield’s Manchester was the first project that DesignLSM worked with The Alchemist on, transforming the existing space into a cosmic-inspired drinks and dining destination which went on to get fantastic recognition in UK and global awards:
Winner: LIV Hospitality Design Awards
Winner: FAB Awards
Finalist: SBID International Design Awards
Finalist: Restaurant & Bar Design Awards
Finalist: Casual Dining Awards
Finalist: Design Week Awards
Finalist: Food in Space Awards
