In the heart of London’s Canary Wharf, the art deco electric bar is turning heads and sparking conversations. Designed by Ellis Design Studio, this 9,000-square-foot venue offers an immersive experience that blends the glamour of 1940s Art Deco with the raw edge of industrial aesthetics.
From its custom shuffleboard tables to dramatic lighting and vibrant interiors, every detail of this two-story masterpiece has been meticulously curated to create a venue that feels alive and energized.
A Game Reimagined: The Electric Shuffle
At the core of the art deco electric bar lies a reimagined take on shuffleboard. Inspired by the electrifying innovations of Nikola Tesla, Ellis Design Studio gave this classic game a cutting-edge twist, turning it into the centerpiece of the venue.
Highlights of the Shuffleboard Design:
- Central Social Hubs: The shuffleboard tables are strategically positioned to foster connection and fun.
- Craftsmanship Meets Technology: With their sleek timber curves, inlaid copper details, and leather accents, the tables’ designs echo the elegance of grand ocean liners of the Art Deco period. Gaming technology is seamlessly integrated for a modern touch.
- Industrial Flair: Laser-cut metal and decorative copper pipework reinforce the fusion of old and new.
These tables not only invite friendly competition but also stand as stunning design features that speak to the venue’s dynamic identity.
The Interior: A Fusion of Glamour and Grit
The design philosophy behind the art deco electric bar focuses on juxtaposition. The opulence of Art Deco style finds an unexpected yet seamless match with the rugged charm of early 20th-century industrial power plants. Ellis Design Studio has woven these two worlds together to create a multi-sensory space that is both nostalgic and futuristic.
Ground Floor: Industrial Grandeur Meets Deco Opulence
The main bar area on the ground floor is a double-height space that exudes drama. Drawing inspiration from power plants and early electrical experiments, its design is industrial yet refined:
- Showstopping Central Light Fixture: A rotating turbine-like centerpiece commands attention, evoking the spirit of electrical innovation.
- Materials That Tell a Story: Copper-accented fluted timber details mimic endless tubes powering the venue, while riveted industrial strapping and backlit glass blocks evoke Bauhaus-era factories.
- A Bespoke Bar: With a custom ceramic bullnose top and porcelain tiles, the bar mixes functionality with elegance.
Every element contributes to an ambiance that’s both functional and glamorous—a perfect embodiment of Art Deco’s lavishness blended with the industrial revolution’s grit.
First Floor: A Futuristic Factory Vibe
Upstairs, the design takes a bold turn. While maintaining its industrial roots, the first floor experiments with a more contemporary interpretation of factory aesthetics.
- Vivid Colors: The electric blue metal paneling, overlaid with intricate bronze meshes, injects a vibrant energy into the space.
- Lighting with a Purpose: The radial wall light mirrors the turbine fixture on the ground floor, uniting the levels through consistent design language.
- Interactive Details: The “control panel” feature wall—complete with vintage buttons and dials—activates lights in response to sound, giving the venue a sense of being powered up and alive.
The interplay of color, texture, and technology makes the first floor a destination all its own.
Lighting: Setting the Mood for an Electric Atmosphere
No detail has been overlooked in creating an environment that is both dynamic and inviting, and the lighting plays a significant role in this transformation. Throughout the venue, lighting choices enhance the venue’s character and contribute to its electrifying energy:
- Ground Floor Drama: The massive rotating light fixture is not only a visual focal point but also a tribute to industrial innovation.
- First Floor Glow: Inspired by electrical circuits, radial lighting elements amplify the futuristic factory aesthetic.
- Mood Enhancers: Custom-designed light features highlight architectural details, creating depth and dimension in every corner.
Attention to Detail: Bars Built to Impress
The Art Deco Electric Bar is more than just a venue; it’s a masterpiece of thoughtful design where even the functional elements become works of art. The two bars—one on each floor—are prime examples of this ethos.
- Ground Floor Bar:
- Designed with nods to mid-century factories, featuring porcelain tiles and copper accents.
- Glass blocks and riveted details add industrial authenticity while complementing the space’s overall elegance.
- First Floor Bar:
- Inspired by factory panels, its bold electric blue palette creates a striking visual impact.
- Bespoke mesh and bronze accents give it a layered, tactile quality.
Each bar balances utility with aesthetic appeal, ensuring they are as functional as they are fabulous.
Bringing It All Together: The Electrifying Essence
What makes the Art Deco Electric Bar truly unique is its ability to fuse multiple eras and styles into a cohesive, immersive experience. Every corner of the venue is alive with creativity, from its game-centric design to its atmospheric lighting and richly layered interiors.
Key Elements That Define the Venue:
- A Nod to History: Inspirations range from the golden age of Art Deco to the rugged charm of early electrical powerhouses.
- Innovative Technology: Integrated gaming systems, interactive control panels, and responsive lighting create an engaging, high-tech atmosphere.
- Thoughtful Craftsmanship: Every detail—from copper accents to bespoke tilework—has been executed with precision and care.
The Art Deco Electric Bar: A Must-Visit Destination
In the crowded landscape of London’s nightlife scene, the Art Deco Electric Bar stands out as a beacon of innovation and style. Whether you’re drawn to its reimagined shuffleboard, dazzled by its dramatic interiors, or simply looking for a venue with a truly unique vibe, this space has something for everyone.
So next time you’re in Canary Wharf, step into this electrifying venue and prepare to be immersed in a world where the past and future collide, where glamour meets grit, and where every detail is designed to delight. The Art Deco Electric Bar is not just a place to visit—it’s an experience to remember.
Credits to Ellis Design Studio
