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Design
The Building
Originally named The Cunarder when it was built in the 1960's, the site sits on the corner with the shape resembling the prow of a ship. In reference to this we painted the exterior in blue, silver and white stripes to match the livery of airlines. We replaced the doors and windows with oak frames and double glazed units that make for an open and inviting facade. The outside spot lights run in a straight row resembling landing lights that lead towards our main entrance. The oak canopy above the doors has a grey tinted mirror showing our logo (a metropolis JL with the BT tower in negative space) and is back lit by colour change cold cathode lighting encouraging adventurous guests to begin their journey.
The Design
As you enter the ground floor you encounter a stunning oak bar. Its grooved lip is American classic, and inspired by a basement bar in Budapest in 1993 while I was backpacking through Europe. The owner of the bar showed me the benefits of creating a perfectly moulded groove for the elbow that, while being extremely comfortable, also makes for the embarrasing slipping off the bar while chatting up a girl, a thing of the past.
The bar stools are Italian and the perfect height to sit and lean into the groove. They were chosen to complement the BA3 dining chairs. The chairs, designed by Ernest Race out of post-war re-cast aluminium scrap, won the Gold Medal at the Milan Triennale in 1954. As you look around the room there are 'peanut' chairs made out of microsuede and buffalo hide. These are great areas to meet, have coffee, log onto our free wifi and relax. On the walls are lights made from marbles like those you played with in the school playground. This hints at Jetlag's more playful side and our tongue-in-cheek approach to life. All the colours are based on the natural colours of the day.
The Lighting
Throughout evolution humans grew accustomed to yellows and reds from the sun, and blues and purples of the sky. As well as keeping the lighting natural and uplifting we ensure no green light exists in Jetlag. Green or mauve lighting makes people feel bad and does nothing to enhance human features. All the lighting has been been designed to create a positive atmosphere, and this is made possible by advanced dimming systems and a lighting control system that allows one touch programming to set the mood. Spot lights carry the landing lights toward the ladies stairwell. Go through the bespoke fire glass doors with etched logo on either side of the doors and you take the first steps to an extraordinary experience.
The hanging pendants are round, like the marble lights with a retro look; these shapes are softer, less austere and more relaxing than edges. As you step into the lounge you are exposed to the full effect of the colour change cold cathode lighting. Glass panels, custom made with etched clouds and bubble walls are lit up like airline windows. Re-creating the sunset, sunrise and purple skies as you fly through the night. The bubble walls add to the relaxed ambience and may be filled with objects for private events: perfect for company logos, birthdays, wedding parties or a launch party.
Above the tan leather seating are 'propeller' lights that were installed for screenings, and add a special touch to the uniqueness of London's best screening room.
The Screening Room
After we decided to create a screening room, Nick Kemp went the extra mile to deliver an extraordinary audio visual experience. The 2:35:1 acoustically transparent cinema screen comes from Iowa, the high definition Pioneer projector from Norway, and the Artcoustic sound system from Denmark. Combined with bubble walls from Taiwan, stainless steel roll top bar designed by Fabrication Techniques in Britain and airline seats from New Zealand, a screening in Jetlag is an unforgettable experience.
The Flooring
From the moment you enter Jetlag you embark on a journey. The oak flooring is diagonally laid to lead you towards the pendant lamps and down the stairs. As you depart the classical design of the ground floor you approach the Twilight Altro flooring with glittering sparkles reminiscent of the nights sky. The lounge floor is made from AltroTech, a special hardwearing substance that gives the area a very different feel underfoot to the oak upstairs. Used in airports and bus depots this flooring is particurlarly suited to the Jetlag concept.
The Decorations
Adorning the walls is a selection of urban art. Signed prints from Jamie Reid, Tom Cauty and a mix of original posters from the 60's/70's instigate conversation. Ducks flying south for the Winter with Aviators and three stunning Parisian ladies in various poses add humour lest the design becomes too involved. The ladies are made from the same vinyl found on the exterior of airlines and their poses pure glam and/or envy. Mirrors in the loos are made bespoke, as is all the glass in Jetlag.
The Bathroom
Made to measure marble letter-box sinks in the bathrooms are finished by chrome polished Bel Air taps that resemble Flash Gordon rockets. The ladies handles have wings and the gents turbines. It is for this reason the bathrooms are called "Angels" and "Engines". The Dyson Airblades provide a suitably jet sounding and hygienic finish to the design.
The Logo
Developed over one year, it was a scrap of paper scrawled by Pugs while riding the bus home that decided the logo for Jetlag. It is adaptable to various colours and interpretations so that whatever reincarnation it takes it remains fresh and vibrant.
The Beginning
We hope you enjoy Jetlag. If you would like further information regarding the bar please don't hesitate to contact us.
