Leisure Media Issue 3 2009 - Leisure Opportunities

Shaun Clarkson & Vince PowerPROJECTSBartok, London (1994)A cocktail and tapas club with atheatrical atmosphere. Drapes,subdued lighting, chandeliers andmaroon and red furnishings were used.The Palace, Luton (1994)This is Las Vegas in Luton,creating the glam fantasy world ofCaesar’s Palace in a new build.Cube, London (1998)The architecture of the building, a1960s bank, was the inspiration.The design followed the contoursand used muted colours.Rex, London (1999)Plush velvets, crystal chandeliers,comfortable sofas and leatherarmchairs create a decadent 1930satmosphere, influenced by art noveau.Sugar, Cardiff (2004)A multi-storey disco with differentthemes on different floors getting morehardcore the higher they go: a videobasement, lounge floor and rave floor.Odette’s,London (2006)Influenced byCalifornianrestaurants;yellows, whitesand pale greyswere used tocreate the feelingof sunshine.The Moose,London (2006)A skiing lodgethemedvenue,with a basementbar, cluband cocktailbar. It features cream colouredtimber, cow hide seats (pictured)and Nordic murals.The Pigalle Club, London (2006)1940s glamour is recreated withaged wood panelling and twinklingmirrors. Diners are entertainedby a houseband and waited onby staff in 1940s uniforms.Camel Victoria, London (2008)A twist on the gentlemen’s club,with turquoise stripey wallpaperand orange Chesterfields.Black Bull, London (2009)A comfortable, understated membersbar for people visit before the match.By Robyn Sampsonvince powerHow important is thedesign of a venue?The majority of the overall design andlook is paramount to the success of thevenue/project.You’ve been working with Shaunfor around 15 years, how didyou first come across him?I met Shaun one night in a sleazy bar inSoho and we have been colleagues andfriends ever since.What did you like about hisdesigns? What would yousay is his trademark?When it comes to design Shaun has asense of freedom about this taste. Heis very ecclectic and will try anything.Shaun has the courage to go where otherdesigners wouldn’t dare.How do you work together?Do you give him a free rein?I do. Shaun is an artist. Sometimes whenyou tamper too much with an artists’work, you spoil it. That’s how I feel withShaun. So yes, you could say he doeshave pretty much a free rein.What is your favourite venueShaun has created for you and why?I would have to say The Pigalle Club. Ittook a very long time to do and it’s styledas a 1940 speakeasy/supperclub.Has he ever done anything youhave insisted on changing?No! It’s actually the opposite. I’ve usedother designers on some venues whichhaven’t been as successful, and havedrafted in Shaun to change it.Tell me about the conceptfor LiquidNAtion.The bar is going to reflect the sign of thetime. It’s going to be a fun bar, relaxedand no pretence, stripped back with anundesigned feel and look to it, wherestudents can come and listen to livemusic – the best bands – and buy nonbrandedcocktails, wines and beers, allat great value.ISSUE 3 2009 © cybertrek 2009Read Leisure Management online leisuremanagement.co.uk/digital 27