Jacksons

Jacksons - The client For years he has travelled the world and had a fondness for high end cocktail bars. Jim brought this idea back to the UK and approached Simon at Collective Design to deliver his vision and version of an unparalleled Cocktail bar. Simon had worked with the client on a number of projects previously and so already knew the clients tastes and style and so instantly had the same passion and feeling for the project as the client, connecting instantly.

BRIEF &CONCEPT

The brief was to create a theatrical experience with a dark sophisticated interior. The client wanted an intermit space. The venue is located in a basement and during the period of the 1930s -1960s was known as Jacksons the Tailor a suit supplier of fashionable tailored suits. This was to form the back story as well as the name of the venue. The interior was to have subtle tailoring reference within the design. The graphic branding also needed to feature in the design and the interior needed to reflect the style of branding where possible.

OUTCOME

Design Features:

Jackson’s is a very sophisticated interior full of opulence and elegant features. This immersive hideaway verges on the side of art-deco using the 1930s as a reference throughout the design. The 1930s was a key date as this was when the original Tailors was established on the site. Two large gold art deco inspired columns were designed to be central features in the space that shine out in the dimly lit interior.

The seating in the venue is beautifully designed using silk linings from suits to bring pattern onto the backs of the chairs. The bar counter is lit with golden lighting and draws your eye to the range of product it displays. Low level table light add a sense of private members club. The wall panels and richness enclose the space to fully immerse the customer in the space.

The layout looks to maximise the space with fixed seating and booths to ensure comfort. The cocktails are a luxury product and so comfort is important creating a sumptuous experience for the customer. The ambience created is key for a romantic interior. A hedonistic approach to the design pursues pleasure, sensually and self-indulgence.

Other touches are the brass rulers recessed into table tops evoking the idea of cutting benches. Black and gold marble adds quality and style, Antique mirror adds depth whilst glazed cabinet showcase product within the complex cocktails beautifully.

Challenges:

The basement venue is intermit which is an advantage in what we set out to achieve. The challenge was access and the implantation of the shop fit which was difficult in a small space with limited access in a basement.

Some of the specialist finishes took a number of attempts to create the desired look and quality required. Working closely with the joinery firm to achieve these finishes and details although time consuming were worth it as the end result emerged.

The venue itself is an awkward shape. It was a challenge to create sight lines that enhanced the interior and create depth. Orchestrating the fixed seating and other fixtures also took some designing to maximise the capacity whilst also making it flow.

Creating an atmosphere that embodied pleasure, sensually and self-indulgence as well as bringing in the detailing and backstory of Jackson the Tailors had its challenges. It was important to ensure the lighting design was beautifully arranged and that the scene was set. It was key to feel like you were entering a 1930s underground private members club so that the customers were totally immersed.

Design results: The overall feel and ambience was incredible. The client was extremely happy with the fact his vision had been made a reality. Since opening Jacksons it has become a great success and continues to grow into a strong business. The small intermit space feels organic. The slight touches tell the story of Jackson the Tailor and the customers are fully immersed in their surroundings. This underground cocktail club feels like you have entered a bygone era. Its dark sophisticated interior and smoky atmosphere is authentic and oozes quality and style full of elegance and class.