Drapers Bar

Drapers

Queen Mary Students' Union

Drapers Bar

venues, December 2008, COMMENTS

With the students deserting the University for the lengthy summer period, Queen Mary Students’ Union capitalised on the quiet spell to overhaul its social centre in a two-pronged strategy that has made the venue both functionally intelligent and more competitive. The days of student unions being able to compete on price alone are long gone, as increasingly unions have to challenge with high street brands, in an ever more competitive market place.

Commercial operations manager, Ethan James, explained the need for change: “It was a bar before, but it was a bar with a nightclub above it. The bar has a traditional pub feel, but we wanted to create something suitable and appealing for food during the day, which could be transformed at night into a clubby venue.”

Inova Furniture Contracts has supplied a mixture of Italian, Swedish and British furniture, including banquet seating from Morris, pinch stools from Naughtone and bobbin armchairs by Connection.
Although the aesthetic is quite slick, it is clear practical necessities have had a strong influence on the choice of materials and ultimately the overall look. The infrastructure in the ceiling above the dancefloor has been left exposed giving a raw, industrial feel. Amongst the cable boxing, and air conditioning, the Nexo sound system installed by Viba Sounds can be spotted along with Robe lighting and the customary mirror ball. Peter Kellet from Viba Sounds explained the choice of sound system: “We specified Nexo PS 8/IS 400 for its flexibility. We had to work with lower ceiling heights in the bar and main dancefloor so it was the perfect choice.”

With a second room still to develop, the transformation of Drapers Bar will continue to evolve following this main refurbishment. In order to remain competitive, Ethan knows that the venue cannot rest on its laurels, as he explained: “We aim to be a good place to go; the atmosphere’s good and the locality is convenient for our students. The most important thing is to keep on top of it and make sure it still looks new two years down the line.”

Words: Michael Nicholson
Photos: Jim Ellam

From: December 2008 Issue

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