13 eight-head Alkalite Tracpod 80 linear intelligent LED battens are recessed the length of the ceiling to provide a dramatic colour wash down either side of the room. In the centre is the DJ podium, above which is a three-way plasma triangle, facing out on three axes. The displays form part of a 16 plasma and LCD flat screen array (which includes local booth TV's), giving the venue a genuine sports bar theme.
All the sound, lighting and multimedia effects in the 260-capacity club/bar were provided by John Southee's JPS Sound & Light, which was introduced to the project by production manager, Andy Wills.
With the eight-head Alkalite Riva 80 colour changers - also run off a Martin Light Jockey - providing a stunning 'bottle wash' effect on the bar back it is the mood created by the LED effects which Steve Gutteridge believes provides the real sophistication.
"The LED was my idea - and it's real state of the art," he says. "It enables us to transform the interior so that we can operate as a bar by day and a club after dark, without having to resort to cheesy disco lights. The girls really like the pink colour wash, but when the party's going strong, we set the Tracpods on random mode or a pairing setting."
But there is much more to the Hill than the nightclub at the rear. The two operators have honored a famous old coaching inn which dates back to 1570 and the main part of the venue will cater equally for families and the lunchtime business trade, on a membership and non-membership basis. They have preserved the old library and created a members club feel, with newspapers and laptop access, a traditional dining room offering 'new classics' and a function room, with cuisine provided by head chef Dominic Garcia.
Steve Gutteridge and Brian Taylor, who previously ran their own promotion nights, also have club interests in Mayfair. As Muswells Ltd, they have invested around £1.5m in developing The Hill, which will trade all day (commencing at 8am for breakfast), with a 2am club license, seven days a week.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
