Alchemist | DesignLSM | London, United Kingdom

Sky Bar in the Heart of London

Located in the Victoria area of London, Alchemist by DesignLSM transforms hospitality into a multisensory experience, combining design, science and storytelling. Created as a theatrical journey through space, the project reflects cosmic alchemy — a concept that connects celestial mysteries with discoveries of the Victorian era and mixology art.

The bar redefines immersive design through a blend of spatial illusion, dynamic lighting and contrasting materials, offering guests a place where science intertwines with spectacle.

Concept and Design

Built on the success of previous Alchemist bars in Manchester, Newcastle and Oxford, DesignLSM develops the brand toward a cosmic history. The design draws inspiration from the Victorian era, characterized by exploration and innovation — especially the discovery of parallax, which allowed humanity to measure vast depths of space.

This breakthrough in spatial perception became the foundation of the concept. Every architectural element — line, light, texture and curve — reflects the language of perspective, illusion and discoveries.

Spatial Experience: Light, Movement and Discovery

Heavenly Entrance

Guests begin their journey through a heavenly tunnel, illuminated by ethereal light. This immersive threshold symbolizes the transition from the familiar to the extraordinary, creating an atmosphere for events inside.

Central Bar

The center of the interior features a symmetrical illuminated bar, surrounded by glowing arches and reflective materials. The bar acts as a gravitational center of the space, shining against dark tones, metallic glints and textured richness.

Light and Projection Art

A projection map on mirrored and mesh walls brings the environment to life with celestial images constantly changing under light and motion. The visual effect evokes an endless space, while curved niches, soft chairs and metallic finishes create an atmosphere of intimacy and elegance.

Materials and Details

The material composition reflects cosmic sophistication. Polished metals, dark marble and shimmering glass surfaces harmonize with soft and accent lighting. Bronze details and soft fabrics add warmth, while the geometry of space—curves, arches and symmetry—conveys a balance between science and art.

Each finish and element was carefully crafted to enhance the brand’s ethos: alchemy of experience.

Continuation of the Brand and Development

Alchemist Victoria continues DesignLSM's long-term partnership with the brand, conveying its theatrical soul into a new era of immersive design. The aesthetic of cosmic alchemy from the studio will guide three new London venues, each expressing individuality within a unified brand line.

Combining storytelling, science and sensory design, Alchemist Victoria demonstrates how an interior can transcend functionality to become a transformative experience. Through light, materials and atmosphere, DesignLSM has created a place that feels eternal yet futuristic — a heavenly stage, where mixology becomes performance and architecture becomes art.

Photos © DesignLSMPhotos © DesignLSMPhotos © DesignLSMPhotos © DesignLSM