INTERIORS & INTERIOR DESIGN
LIO LONDON
IBIZA GLAMOUR IN THE HEART OF LONDON
Café des Paris sadly closed during the pandemic after nigh on a hundred years at the centre of London ’ s nightlife . However , from the ashes a phoenix has risen in the shape of Pasha ’ s Lio London , bringing a great big dollop of Ibiza razzle-dazzle to entertain the metropolis .
The venue was in a dilapidated condition when WFC moved in to start the refurbishment on the 25th July 2022 and we achieved PC in 32 weeks on the 3rd March 2023 . A great achievement in view of the challenges faced . The venue opened on schedule on the 17th March 2023
Working within the Grade II listed building regulations proved challenging as in order to apply the new design , the existing fabric had to be taken back to original finishes .
We used Artisan specialist plasterers whose bread and butter is restoring beautiful ornate pieces within heritage buildings . Artisan carried out all fibrous plaster repairs and replicated some of the ornate plaster work that was , in fact , missing from way back in the 1920 ’ s when it was the original Café de Paris .
Sadly covered up – but saved for posterity .
Secured on a two-stage tender , the internal fit-out centred around the main double height space and surrounding mezzanine complete with a hydraulic lifting performance stage , restauration of listed balustrading and wall mouldings , incorporation of kitchen , back of house / performance staff spaces and co-ordination with several Spanish suppliers and contractors .
Part of the listed building consent application was to restore and not disturb the original terrazzo flooring . Although you can ’ t see this element , Mark Woods who subcontracts to Premier Contract Flooring , restored the original terrazzo floors and then installed an unbonded reinforced levelling screed over the top to maintain new floor levels in the basement and lower ground floor mezzanine level . Mark devised a warranted system that could be robust but also be unbonded onto a dpm so not to disturb the original flooring .
After the show , the restaurant transforms into a 715 capacity late-night club , with a moveable DJ booth that emerges from behind the stage - open into the early hours .
The project also included the incorporation of new kitchens , back of house storage , performers green rooms and magnificent entrance stairs and hallways .
With a 47 year track record of delivering high quality main contractor services , the team at WFC believe that its role as a fit-out contractor is to support the objectives of its clients and their architects and designers . We have the expertise and resources to complete complex refurbishment and fit-out contracts to a high standard , working in collaboration with our clients . Our aim is to make the best use of client budgets and to complete projects on time , however challenging the time-scale .
Call Steve Howle on 07740 763 334 or email stevehowle @ wfccontractors . com to discuss your project .
www . wfccontractors . com enquiry @ wfccontractors . com | 01626 353 802
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