PRESS:Tokyo

THEME MAGAZINE

tokyo newcastle
Rob Cameron & Aaron Mellor strike back

Stereo Corporation are probably best known for their Stereo site in Newcastle. Theme award winner and local favourite, the venue has received praise from customers and critics alike over the past few years that it has been open. Not ones to rest on their laurels, however, I decided that it was time to shake up the Newcastle scene once again. "When Stereo opened it pushed the boundaries of a bar's expectations and two and a half years later it's time for some new thinking on bar design" the company said at the time of the venue's opening.

The new venue, named Tokyo, occupies what was formerly a PoNaNa site. Although the previous owners were only trading as a ground floor bar, with access to toilets on the floor above, Rob Cameron and Aaron Mellor, the men behind Stereo Corporation, were quick to recognise the potential of the multi-layered site, and were keen to exploit the extra levels. "Having bought the building, which has four floors and a basement", says Rob, "we wanted to utilise it fully". As such the main bar on the ground floor has been joined by a first floor bar and roof terrace and a basement bar.

Starting at the beginning, the exterior of the building has been given a facelift with £1 million committed to the internal and external refurbishment of the premises. The ground floor space has been opened up massively to incorporate not only a bar and lounge area, but a dance floor too. Intimate booths and low slung seating and cushions give this zone a relaxed masculine, yet Eastern air. A kind of luxuriously decadent bachelor pad set in the orient.

Moving upstairs and the first floor bar retains a similar feel, that is until we reach the exterior seating area. A fabulous roof terrace extends out from the room, decked and lined with low, box furniture for a more sleek, modern oriental feel. Padded benches and communal tables cater for either groups or bring together strangers, while the surrounding foliage and trees give the area a real secret garden feel. This is a space which will trade all year round, making the most of the summer months and becoming a cosy yet fresh alfresco area in the winter, when a huge sail will be draped over the top covering trees and all.

All floors are linked by the old original stairs, which, painted in dark colours, creep up the side of the building. Descend down this winding staircase into the bowels of the building and customers reach the final destination on the Tokyo tour, the den. Lined in velvet and accessible only to VIPs this area has been described as the "vampire snug" and with good reason. A deliciously naughty space the bar is said to be inspired by Phillipe Starck's Resident's Room at the Sanderson. An intimate air of mystery is created using candle light, while a definite feel of exclusivity is maintained with swipecard entry.

Andy Emans of Northern Intoxicology was the man given the task of devising a drinks menu which complimented the Tokyo offer. A concise but carefully thought out list of drinks, all using excellent quality products, has been created. "We haven't padded it out with a load of fillers to make the menu look 'extensive'. There is certainly an Australasian influence in the use of fruit and spirits" says Andy. As such products like Midori, Grand Marnier, fresh lemon, ginger, wasabi and lemon grass are all present. "We take a slightly longer drink approach, which is very popular back home in Australia", continues Andy. "There area also original twists on classics; Lemongrass Margaritas and Ginger and Lemon Mojitos. The whole menu has a commercial design and is meant to be accessible to all".

Music is an important element in all Stereo Corporation venues, and this is also true of their Tokyo venue. Rob explains: "It's not just the quality of sound that matters, as anyone can buy a great sound system, but what you play over it. This is very important". But just to make sure that the tunes played are done justice a high spec system has been installed throughout.

It is this attention to detail and commitment to quality that made Stereo such a success and is sure to guarantee Tokyo a place in the heart's of the people of the North East. And with two great venues in Newcastle, Stereo Corporation can consider themselves firmly placed on the operator's map.

Tokyo, 17 Westgate Road, Newcastle
Tel: 0191 232 1122