Guinness Storehouse
St James Gate has been the home of Guinness since 1759 and at the start of the new millennium the Guinness Storehouse opened to the public. The storehouse gives visitors a detailed insight into the story behind Guinness, spread across 7 floors. Ranging all the way from the bare ingredients that make up a pint of the black stuff and the stouts founder, to a top floor bar with impressive views across Dublin.
On the fourth floor are the newly opened Connoisseur and Academy bars. Sutton Vane Associates were commissioned to light both these new areas, that offers visitors a chance to sample the 4 most popular brews of Guiness in a private tasting session and then learn to pour the perfect pint.
The Connoisseur bar has a luxurious 1920s esque feel, with shiny copper surfaces, panelled walls and large leather chairs. It was important that the lighting was in keeping with this; warm lighting was specified to add to the homely environment, which also compliments the copper work surfaces. Portraits of important figures from Guinness’ history were carefully lit using picture lights that were selected to mirror the materials already present in the space. Period appropriate light fittings were specified to provide general lighting, such as the wall mounted lamps and simple hanging chandeliers. The space could have easily been over lit, but light levels were kept low to reflect the dark interior and intimate setting.
The Academy bar is completely different to its neighbour, offering a far more contemporary setting. The walls of the bar are covered in shelves filled with various Guiness bottles; they are lit from behind using giant lightboxes to highlight the bottles and there warm, rich colouring. Additional lighting is provided by adjustable spotlights aimed at the bar tables, highlighting each plinth and adding a sense of spectacle to the area.