Opal Lounge Gets Dark

Montpeliers (Edinburgh) Ltd Press releases

http://www.bighospitality.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=2261

Work is underway on a £200,000 refurbishment at Edinburgh’s hottest subterranean nightspot Opal Lounge.

The nightclub, a playground for the rich and famous north of the border, opened in 2002 and was quickly hailed as Scotland’s most exclusive VIP venue. And now, in order to revamp it to be on a par with London’s top end venues, it will take on a decadent black and gold theme, with the finest fixtures, fittings and decadent decorations.

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It also recently introduced Scotland’s first Table Service where drinkers, for a minimum spend of £125, can be treated to a bespoke service and bottles of Champagne and spirits on the table.

David Johnston, Development Director at Montpeliers (Edinburgh) Ltd that operates eight of the city’s most cutting-edge venues, headed up the design team on the project. He said: “When Opal Lounge first opened it was a one of a kind in Scotland.

“Over the years we have built a very loyal customer base and become the must-go place in Edinburgh for visiting celebrities and locals alike.

“It was time to inject some exclusivity back into the place and make it reflect the very height of luxury today and make that accessible to Edinburgh’s party set.”

A prime feature of the redesign is a 5m by 2m Traxon 64 pixel cubed wall mosaic which will glow behind the black DJ booth. The cubes, which shine light patterns and act as mirrors, have rarely been used in the UK.

Bauble glass gold sheets by Maya Romanoff will adorn the walls behind black glass covered tables and Tom Dixon black lights with gold interiors will hang from the ceiling.

Hand printed Morphic Damask wallpaper by Linda Florence will be used and the bar and table tops in the main bar will be wrapped in black and display cabinets will be filled with limited edition Champagnes and top end spirits.

And outside three spotlights will illuminate the surrounding area, cementing the nightclub’s place as George Street’s most recognisable venue.

David added: “Opal Lounge is a decadent venue and the sumptuous surroundings reflect the attitude the place has somewhere a bit naughty to go late on a night out.

“We want it to be quite sultry, but mischievous at the same time. By interspersing absolute darkness with flashes of gold light I think we have really captured the essence of opulent mystery we wanted to create.

“We have managed to source some fantastic products that will achieve our black and gold decadent vision. Many of the designers and products will feature in very few other places in Scotland, even the UK, adding to the unique and exclusive tone of Opal Lounge.”

The VIP area is also getting a further injection of exclusivity. Tables are inset with Champagne ice buckets, black velvet curtains will be hung between rooms and chairs will be covered in dark luxurious material by Maharam Kvadrat.

Opal Lounge, a favourite of royals such as Prince William, party girl Kate Moss and Hollywood A-listers such as Kiefer Sutherland and Kevin Spacey, as well as singers and TV personalities, closed for the 11-day refurbishment on Sunday August 31.

It will reopen with a lavish party on Thursday September 11.