Summit meeting (Venues - Clubs)
Centre
Point has long dominated the skyline over London's West End. Now,
the Paramount Club, its new private members' club and events
space, looks set to do the same for discerning event clients and
revellers. Sat Bal (19 Feb '09)
Breakdown
The
members' bar and club occupies the top three floors of Centre Point in
Tottenham Court Rd. One floor presents the private hire events space
while the other two floors open up to the members’ club, lounge, bar
and restaurant. The Paramount aims to become a locus for influential
notables who can dine, drink and exchange ideas while taking in
spectacular views of London thanks to its 360-degree floor-to-ceiling
vista.
Who's behind it?
The
venue was founded by Pierre Condou following his experiences at Bistrot
Bruno,
L’Odeon restaurant and Century Club on Shaftsbury Avenue. “I have
always loved this central high-rise landmark building," he says. "It is
in all Londoners' DNA. I am thrilled to create Paramount at the summit.”
Design
Mark
Way, in association with Murphy Philipps, was the lead architectural
consultant, project managing the build in collaboration with British
designer Tom Dixon via his Design Research Studio arm. UK-based GIA
Equation supplied the lighting design enhancing the overall aim of
timeless style rather than ephemeral ostentation. The 1966 design
features of original architect Richard Seifert’s are subtly progressed
to assure longevity.
“What a dream job," says Tom Dixon "a building so iconic and so mysterious that has been argued and discussed and reviled and now celebrated and we get an opportunity to design a space that all Londoners know, but almost none have visited.
Facilities
A
dedicated entrance on the first floor mezzanine level is accessed via a
separate external staircase. The original 1960s monochrome terrazzo
flooring sets the scene for a Barbara Hepworth-inspired copper
reception desk where staff welcome guests.
From here, express lifts whisk guests attending events up to the 31st floor events space. This self-contained 4,550 sq ft space has a 10 metre-long bar and faces west to take advantage of glowing sunset views this summer.
Event space
The
space is designed for private events ranging from launches and dinners
to screenings and presentations. It can accommodate 350 people standing
or 160 seated.
The next floor up is the main hub of the
members’ club, featuring a bespoke Tom Dixon copper bar, relaxed dining
and lounging areas, a more formal restaurant, and a private dining
room.
The Viewing Gallery on the
33rd floor is at the apex of the building, where the members’ champagne
and cocktail bar is located, wrapping around the building and providing
a panorama of London.
Restaurant
Paramount's
members-only restaurant is led by chef James O’Connor, formerly of
Bovey Castle and Damien Hirst’s restaurant in Ifracombe, and the menu
is classic modern British.
The Paramount private dining room
opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while Paramount members' lounge
opens from 10am until late Monday to Friday and 12 midday until late on
weekends, serving a range of cocktails and drinks.
Membership
Taking
its cue from Paramount's 360 degree views, membership is open to a wide
circle of the city’s professional and creative industries. Chaired by
Brunswick Group CEO Alan Parker and Stephen Fry, the membership
committee includes representatives from film, law, media, academia and
other diverse vocations.
See also :
Molton House Double Club Diva Beach
RK__________________________