Beach Blanket Babylon To Open In Shoreditch

A brand new venue that will house a stylish restaurant and cocktail bar, roof terrace, contemporary art gallery, private members lounge and outdoor cinema is opening in Shoreditch this coming summer.

Famed West London institution Beach Blanket Babylon will launch a sister venue Beach Blanket Babylon Shoreditch before further BBB venues are established overseas as part of their current expansion plans that include the USA and Europe. This expansion will capitalise on 17 successful years for BBB Notting Hill, the recently completed refurbishment program and the establishment of its new membership scheme, BBB’s following will soon be able to enjoy a home away from home in both west London and east, in keeping with its namesake BBB will feature a similar eclecticism but in a more contemporary style, with courtesy Limos to ferry customers from west to east for private events.

BBB Shoreditch occupies an old imposing warehouse on the Bethnal Green Road, comprising of four floors and a roof garden. Each floor is characterised by its large scale striking features and high ceilings. It will comprise a 150-seater restaurant on the ground floor with open theatre kitchens and a very large central marble bar. Guests will be able to use the glamorous old style cage lift to take them into the downstairs cocktail area also equipped with an even larger central marble bar and VIP area. There is valet parking at the venue.

The first floor will operate by day as a contemporary art gallery which will be available for hire. It will also be used for events and private dining by night. This floor overlooks the Roof Garden and outdoor cinema / projection space. The top floor will house the BBB members lounge and overlooks the city with a fabulous view of the London skyline.

BASEMENT:

The basement is divided into two main areas and is accessed by both stairs and a customer lift manned by an old-fashioned uniformed lift attendant. The focus of the room is dominated by a central bar. Both parts of the bar can be hired out for private functions with a capacity of up to 500 people and licensed till late with international DJ’s or live cabaret on the stage area, providing a grown up, fashionable entertainment for east London.

GROUND FLOOR RESTAURANT / BAR / BRASSERIE:

The ground floor is accessed by a large and imposing entrance on Bethnal Green Rd. A large solid marble central bar dominates the room where guests can either sip cocktails or dine. Dining is further characterised by raised levels of private dining spaces as well banquet seating and loose tables and chairs to choose from.

A further raised dining area overlooking the main room can be used for private dining for 20 guests or maybe used for bands and live performances. Evocative of the royal box enclosure at the royal ballet, it provides an intimate and versatile space. Total seating on the ground floor 150 guests.

EXECUTIVE CHEFS:

The menu is characterised by brassiere style dishes and fine dining. The executive chefs include Rex Newmark and Sophie Wright, both graduates and award winners from renowned Westminster Kingsway College, who will be heading up the kitchen presenting a menu primarily sourced from local suppliers.

FIRST FLOOR GALLERY / FUNCTION ROOMS:

The first floor will house the Beach Blanket Art Gallery, a customary white space of 2000sqft. The space will offer an exciting programme featuring various art disciplines and will be guest curated by some of London’s leading gallerists. The space will also be available to hire for private functions, dinners and other events. Capacity 175 standing and 100 seated.

ROOF GARDEN:

The roof garden will be dominated by outlandish palm trees, fountains and tropical birds and greenery etc. It will host also an outside bar and cinema for films and art projections. Capacity 200 standing and 120 seated – due to open late summer 2007

SECOND FLOOR PRIVATE MEMBERS LOUNGE:

Due to open Feb 2008. The members lounge will have its own cocktail bar and offer members the opportunity to relax from the hustle and bustle of the lower floors, it will be relaxed and offer an ideal environment for everything from a casual business meeting to a members get-together with their friends. A secret membership committee will put forward names of those deemed at the forefront of the art, media and wider creative industries.

Membership fee’s will be nominal and includes benefits that can be enjoyed at BBB Notting Hill such as access to its private rooms and members bar as well as special previews of exhibitions and shows at the Beach Blanket Gallery E1. Membership to the under 25’s will be absolutely free though applicants will have to be vetted by the membership committee.

Beach Blanket Babylon Shoreditch will be located at 19-23 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1

Go online at Beachblanket.co.uk to find out more.