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Photography: Lesley Lau / Afroditi Studio
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Photography: Mr Tripper / Afroditi Studio
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Photography: Mr Tripper / Afroditi Studio
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Photography: Mr Tripper / Afroditi Studio
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Photography: Mr Tripper / Afroditi Studio
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Photography: Mr Tripper / Afroditi Studio
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Photography: Mr Tripper / Afroditi Studio
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Photography: Mr Tripper / Afroditi Studio
Leather, velvet, exposed brick and a glowing central bar create plenty of drama at this music bar, set beneath the streets of central London.
Stereo Covent Garden is the latest offering from Experimental Group – the team behind Experimental Cocktail Club and London’s Henrietta Hotel – and opened in early 2023. Experimental tapped Design studio Afroditi to create Stereo’s moody interiors, using lighting and mirrors in a way that’s reminiscent of the prohibition-era bars of New York – however, all the usual speakeasy elements have been massively exaggerated and expanded.
The bar has been turned into a blaze of light, studded in 88 globe-shaped lamps, panelled in wood and mirroring, and watched over by a golden eagle. Tables are low, sofas are deep, and colours tend towards the deep browns, burgundies, reds and blacks.
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Afroditi has used light and reflective materials to dramatic effect, emphasising Stereo’s subterranean nature – one bare brick wall is uplit and covered in a huge mural – while creating a welcoming backdrop for guests.
On the menu are burgers, wings and nachos, classic cocktails and Stereo specials named after iconic songs – all accompanied by a live house band and a rotating list of acid house DJs who take over until 3 am. Production company High Scream designed and built Stereo’s intimate stage set-up, which features an L-Acoustics sound system.
35 The Piazza, London, WC2E 8BE
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