By Nicola Walker
The Piper Whisky Lounge opened last month and is located just upstairs from The Piper Whisky Bar in Glasgow. It will be used primarily for customers as a complimentary space to the downstairs bar, but also for events, functions and of course whisky tastings.
The lounge has been designed by MD Hospitality. Francesca Dunn, Design Director, told DRAM, “We wanted the theme to be as inviting as the original pub and showcase that Scottish charm. Whisky had to be at the centre of the design, and we’ve used lots of wood to create a cosy lodge vibe. It was wonderful to be able to experiment with textures to create a design with such depth, character, and moody deepness. We’ve used these warm colours to make it feel like there is a log fire in the room.”
The results are stunning. Upon entering you are transported to the Scottish countryside and it feels incredibly inviting. The walls are painted deep green which sits alongside dark wood and Tudor panelling. The varnished solid wood floor gives way to a raised area at the far end of the room which is carpeted in a beautiful dark tartan with grey and burgundy hues.
This blends in seamlessly with the mix of brown leather and tartan chairs, which have been perfectly selected to tone in with the carpet. Seating wise, there is a selection of lounge chairs and tub chairs, and every table, whether round or square, has a beautiful ornate metal base and a polished dark wooden top. There is also bespoke Chesterfield banquette seating along the wall which is studded and made from chestnut leather.
The bar has been clad in wood and decorated with custom made upholstered leather panels in the same Chesterfield style as the seating. This theme adds softness and stretches around to the newly created ‘whisky cabinet’ which truly looks like it has always been there. Here, dark wood and glass are used create a wonderful display area which will no doubt attract whisky companies to showcase some of their amazing products.
The back gantry of the bar has been clad in deep brown crown moulding to give an older, regal feel. This has also been inlaid with antique mirror. Above the bar there is a brass hanging gantry which has been custom built and adds a real bit of glitz and glamour to the area.
One of the most impressive new features is the ceiling. Ornate copper textured tiles have been used across the whole room to envelope the space and make it feel incredibly luxurious and warm.
It’s hard to believe that this ceiling hasn’t always been there as it has a real vintage feel. The rich tones add to the golden amber hues integrated into the design and matches the colours of the amazing whiskies on offer.
In order to add even more warmth to the space they have introduced a range of lighting. As well as ceiling spotlights, feature lighting has been added along the window area in the form of 3-Light antique bronze chandeliers with soft shades. There are matching double sconces used on the wall. These walls are also decorated with branded whisky barrel ends, paintings and even a stags skull.
Owner, Gillian Kirkland, shared with me that the intention is to fill more spaces over time as the collection grows.
She adds, “I’m really looking forward to our customers seeing the new lounge. The area is now so inviting, and we look forward to customers being able to enjoy a wee dram in this relaxed environment. Everyone is welcome, from whisky novices to the connoisseurs, and we are hoping it will be a great success.”
The Piper Whisky Lounge Launch Night
