Funky Venues

Venue Review

Character: Modern-classic with atmospheric subterranean twist.

Funky Features: Set in an underground vault setting reputed to be the inspiration for Fagin’s den, eye-catching artworks, original builder’s graffiti from 1769, interior design by Anya Hindmarch’s interior design team ‘Found Associates’, vibrant red contemporary leather sofas.

Location and History

This Grade-II listed building, built by architect Robert Adam in 1769, as a centre for the artistic community he founded close to the Strand a hidden gem with the intimacy and style to appeal to discerning ladies and gents of any generation.  The heart of the club occupies the lower vaults beneath Adam Street that once served as storage for the Navy and was allegedly the setting for Fagin’s Den in Oliver Twist. More recently, the spaces were the bohemian home of the Green Club: an actors’ club which boasted Olivier and Gielgud among its membership. During the summer of 2007 Anya Hindmarch’s interior designer for her new shops, Found Associates re-vamped the interior along with an investment of over £200,000 which has resulted in Adam Street emerging looking better than ever. 

Interior

The building’s history is reflected in the ancient-meets-modern character of the conversion: the lower ground floor reception sets the tone, featuring exposed brickwork and a massive supporting steel girder. From here you descend the red-carpeted staircase into a cavernous barrel-vaulted room, its focus, a copper bar at one end, with elegant curves that mirror the shape of the circular skylights above. The classic style of the interior is offset by contemporary touches with the bar featuring cutting-edge art by Zebedee Helm.  The furniture is comfortable and classy: black shiny surfaces set off the vibrant red leather sofas and a deep pile carpet adds to the understated luxury. 

The adjacent vault serves as the Adam Street restaurant, which welcomes non-members for lunch. It feels remarkably fresh and light and features a light installation that hangs down into the fireplace at one end of the room. The quirky interior designed concept within the space produces a wonderful harmony between the ultra modern shiny black surfaces and the 18th century brickwork.  If you look closely you may even be able to spot some builder’s graffiti discovered from 1769.

Spaces for Hire

Those in search of complete privacy can make use of the Snug, a private dining room boasting a large table (for 12), artworks and a service call button.  Perfect for important lunches and dinners.

Beside the bar is another private space available for hire: the Gallery offers a distinctive setting for a smallish conference or lecture (it seats 60) and is fully equipped with the latest presentation technology.

Beneath the bar is the Rehearsal Room, an ideal space for a large private party (80 seated, 100 standing) featuring a wooden dance-floor (which offers dancing until 3am) and disco lighting, signature soft leather seating, private bar and plasma screen.  The focal point of this room is a breathtaking brick vaulted ceiling that dramatically bounces light into every corner.