Funky Venues

Venue Review

Character: Vast factory space revamped into exciting 21st Century Arts Centre.

Funky Features: 3 screen state of the art digital cinemas, large versatile spaces, art installations.

Location and History

This one-time garment factory was transformed into a dynamic new arts and media centre in April 2006. Located in the heart of the East End, close to the City and minutes walk from Liverpool Street and Old Street tubes, Rich Mix aspired to be an unconventional and entirely new kind of arts centre. It has been described by Minister for Culture, David Lammy as “one of the most exciting projects I’ve ever come across” .

Interior

Rich Mix’s vast spaces are an eclectic mix – from the mirrored ceiling in the entrance to the colourful cinema interiors. The revamp is being undertaken gradually so some areas (eg the cinemas) are complete while others (like the bar and hire rooms) remain relatively raw and industrial. The result is a thoroughly diverse, though always urban series of spaces which range in character from rough around the edges to plush.

Spaces for Hire

One of the beauties of Rich Mix is that its sheer variety makes it versatile for all sorts of events and uses. You can hire the whole Rich Mix space or cherry-pick the room that suits you best.

On the Ground Floor the light and airy café/bar, with its exposed pipes and wooden floors, provides a laid-back atmosphere. The three cinemas have been colourfully decorated by artist Ali Zaidi, who took inspiration from materials found in the local area to create the artwork on the walls. Each cinema has the latest digital technology and the seats in the smallest cinema on the fourth floor can be removed and replaced with alternative furniture making it ideal for meetings and presentations.

The vast Music and Live Digital Space is highly versatile, boasting its own backstage area and connecting room that can be used as an additional bar or dining area. A window running alongside both rooms provides stunning views of some of the City’s most famous landmarks.

Rich Mix also has an in house catering team which can provide delicious food for every occasion from breakfast meetings through to dinners and cocktail parties.