Perdu in Newcastle

13th September 2007, 2:23pm

With a philosophy that staff and service areas are just as important as the aesthetics of interiors, Fluid Design Solutions took to Newcastle's Perdu to give it a face lift. Here's what happened...

Timetable:
Project is ongoing

Designer:
Fluid Design Solutions Designer: James Richardson
Bealim House
17 – 25 Gallowgate
Newcastle
NE1 4SG
0191 261 6404
james@fluiddesignsolutions.com

Fluid Design Solutions specialises in inventive interior schemes for the leisure industry, including bars, nightclubs restaurants and hotels.

With a philosophy that staff and service areas are just as important as the aesthetics of interiors, the team has created award winning designs for clients across the UK and on projects abroad.

Their experience with the requirements of license submissions and in producing sympathetic solutions to sensitive applications has led to creatively practical designs for building successful businesses.

Based in Newcastle and with a satellite office in Edinburgh, Fluid Group operates a north eastern portfolio, including Fluid Bar and Kitchen, Barluga, The Mushroom, the Quilted Camel and Newcastle's latest premier hotspot, Perdu.

The team includes specialists in all areas of design, including designers, architectural technicians, and illustrators.

Type of project:

PERDU
20 Collingwood Street, Newcastle upon Tyne
Telephone: 0191 2603040
 
Newcastle's 'Diamond Strip' is known for its array of bars that ooze designer class and chic interiors, and the recent addition from Fluid Group is quickly becoming a premier hotspot, with a newly extended bar quickly building on its already strong reputation.

Perdu, which is owned, managed and designed by the group, has been a personal achievement for Fluid following its launch and then subsequent expansion earlier this year into a bar that now has as much substance as it has style.

Perdu has gone through a remarkable transformation since its days as a solicitors' office and its recent refurbishment has seen it, encompass new space in the adjoining building to deliver an even larger venue in one of Newcastle's most popular central locations.

The new bar is now substantially changed from its original look complete with a small stage and piano, and is capable of holding close to 1000 people. The space is warm and comfortable, created using burnt oranges and a subtle colour palette and complemented by different seating areas throughout.

As soon as you walk through the doors, Fluid's distinctive design is epitomised by the striking illuminated bar, set off with Perdu's signature edgy damask print. The rest of the décor and fittings are both stylish and fun, using a variety of textures from crushed velvet fabrics, to mirrored surfaces and black glass panels.

Seating throughout the bar is a combination of tables and chairs and comfortable, deep booths.  The mixture of  subdued lighting, private booths and live music creates a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, and a number of beds at the rear of the bar allow you enjoy a drink from a more unusual position.

At the rear of the bar is the 'Secret Garden', an outdoor area lit and furnished for light summer nights and equipped for smokers in the post-smokefree legislation.

The bar now attracts various groups, from an upmarket clientele of business people in the early evening period, as well as proving a highlight for those in town for the late nights and weekends Newcastle's nightlife is famous for. With an array of live music from soul to rock, Perdu appeals to all tastes with a night for everyone.

Inspiration:

We needed to create a warm and inviting environment that was sophisticated  and contemporary at the same time to appeal to a wide range of patrons.
Brief:

With the new extension and overall refurbishment, obviously came more space for a greater number of people. So to keep a feeling of intimacy in the venue we needed to create a series of smaller 'bite size' areas within the larger space, each with its own identity and unique features. In addition the brief was also to include the 'Secret Garden' external area towards the rear of the unit. This, coupled with the increased service area to both bars improved the operational capacity while offering the patrons a variety of unique experiences. 

Key Features:

The double height area towards the rear of the venue really opens the space up. This openness coupled with the subdued lighting from the chandeliers to the bespoke amber candle fittings work together to create the warmth and intimacy. Throughout the venue there is a transition of experience from the front which has retained much of its stylish, cool atmosphere to the rear of the venue which is designed to replicate an old warehouse that we'd just uncovered. Between are a series of unique seating areas from the snug with its soft, relaxed feel, the seating booths each with its own curtain of shimmer screen to the immensely popular bed booths covered in cushions flexible enough for any sized party. 

The newly redeveloped external area has also proven to be hugely popular. With its fun astro turf panelled partitions balanced with its  traditional gazebos and external chandeliers work to create a very unique external area. A much sort after commodity for any licensed venue in recent times. 

Contact details for the venue:

20 Collingwood Street, Newcastle upon Tyne
Telephone: 0191 2603040
Email: Melanie@fluidcompanies.co.uk
Website: www.perdubar.com

Related PDFs:

The Finished Project at Perdu

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