The Alchemist Restaurant
The Alchemist, Spinningfields Manchester, the original site of this iconic brand, has undergone a spectacular refurbishment, with the project spearheaded by award-winning multi-disciplined design agency, DesignLSM.
Founded in 2010, The Alchemist – which now has 20 venues across the country – sets itself apart from the modern-day restaurant and bar. Providing a theatrical and immersive all-day drinking and dining destination, the new Manchester refurbishment has seen DesignLSM create a concept that draws inspiration from the origins of the universe.
Delivering a dynamic experience for guests, the design – influenced by the search for the elixir of life and humanity’s continual fascination with our own origins and the subsequent exploration of the universe – references colours created through supernovas and swirling gasses, intertwined with the patterns and forms of orbital pathways of planets.
Playing upon astronomical dynamism, the bar – now a striking focal point – accentuates the relationship between light and dark – the transition from day into night – beautifully framed circular lights emit a soft glow during the day that enhances and becomes richer in hue and bolder in strength as evening progress – marking the solar/lunar progression. The bar itself plays with materiality – juxtaposing rich base metals with deep blue tiles framed by two oversized bar lamps.
The lighting has been carefully curated from both an atmospheric and design narrative perspective. Each sculptured pendant is influenced by the cosmos, the orbits of planets and satellites. The collective groups are hung in specific positions to create dramatic focal points which enhances the changing ambience of the day and creates dynamic zones within the open plan space – sculptural statements in the day to luminous masterpieces at night.
A lucid identity has been well-thought out for the two main spaces – the bar and main dining area, as well as designing an additional intimate private dining area, improving fluidity of movement between the whole venue whilst also creating engaging zones. The array of furniture, from rusty suede and space blue banquettes, planet-like bar stools, the marble-effect drinks ledge, to the grand masterclass table made bespoke for mixology classes, all play a significant role in communicating the narrative, providing evocative and luxurious style to the space.
Building upon the very essence of what The Alchemist represents – a brand that is renowned for its ingenious menu and theatrical food and drink displays, DesignLSM’s innovative and captivating design narrative has invigorated the space of one of Manchester’s most renowned drinking hot spots.
Design: DesignLSM
Contractor: Interiors UK
Photography: Stevie Campbell
