Bacchanalia, London, UK

Context

The Team

Sonic Opulence: Crafting the DJ-Worthy Sound for Upscale Dining Inside London’s Bacchanalia

Within London’s Mayfair, Bacchanalia is a distinctive dining experience meticulously crafted to engage all the senses. This gourmet restaurant, the visionary creation of Richard Caring and his Caprice Holdings group, draws its profound inspiration from the exuberant, festive spirit of ancient Rome. It offers a refined menu of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine within an opulent interior adorned with captivating artwork from celebrated artists, including Damien Hirst. Beyond its stunning décor, Bacchanalia has cultivated an exceptional reputation for its diverse entertainment offerings, seamlessly blending carefully curated background music with dynamic live performances and exhilarating international DJ sets.

The Challenge

To uphold its reputation for a superior sensory experience, Bacchanalia faced a unique challenge: the need for a sound system that could flawlessly integrate outstanding, dynamic audio while preserving the venue’s intricate Greco-Roman-inspired environment. The paramount priority was to maintain the exquisite aesthetic of both the primary dining space and the exclusive Apollo’s Muse members’ club, one of London’s most prestigious private institutions. This necessitated an audio solution that would deliver unparalleled sonic quality without visually intruding upon the richly decorated interior.

The Solution

To meet this demanding requirement, Bacchanalia’s management team opted for an L-Acoustics sound system, specifically leveraging the powerful yet discreet S Series, which ensured a high-quality sonic experience that blended seamlessly into the existing décor. The intricate task of designing and installing this bespoke audio solution was entrusted to Shepperton-based Marquee AV, a specialist professional audio integrator with a proven track record of successful collaborations with Caprice Holdings, including a significant L-Acoustics installation at the renowned Annabel’s private members’ club.

Marquee AV meticulously designed a Syva-based system, chosen for its ability to provide a versatile soundscape, complement the venue’s unique architecture, and minimize unwanted noise spill. The main dining room and Apollo’s Muse club were comprehensively covered by seven Syva and seven Syva Low units, strategically spaced throughout the areas. For added depth and intensity, particularly during live performances in the main room, two additional KS21 subs were integrated, while the Apollo’s Muse space benefited from two compact SB15m subwoofers. In areas where the elaborate venue design, featuring numerous statues, precluded the mounting of Syva units, four smaller X8 coaxial speakers were discreetly placed. The entire system is driven by four LA4X amplified controllers and is seamlessly integrated with the venue’s Q-SYS control system, providing an intuitive user interface for precise zone control and effortless management of the audio system during various event productions. A critical aspect of the aesthetic integration involved providing all speakers in white, which were then further enhanced by skilled artists with a custom finish, ensuring they perfectly mimicked the restaurant’s exquisite marble and York stone details.

The Result

The meticulous planning and execution resulted in a high-quality sonic experience that not only enhances the venue’s ambiance but also integrates flawlessly and discreetly into its richly decorated interior. The L-Acoustics system delivers outstanding, dynamic sound, achieving optimal audio distribution while preserving the integrity of Bacchanalia’s unique Greco-Roman aesthetic.

Project photos