Marvel: Chelsea’s first DJ owned bar
Marvel: How many DJs does it take to change a nightspot…?
This week 196 Fulham Road – previously Bartique – reopened its doors to the public as Marvel; Chelsea’s first DJ owned bar.
Sam Young, Chad Symonds and Bassam Ibellini met back in 2000 whilst spinning tunes at the old Raffles Club on the King’s Road and came together with fourth partner Sam Mousawi on this bar collaboration with a view to offering the area something really different.
Within the space of a couple of weeks the previously gilt interior of a rundown nightspot took on an industrial decor and is fast attracting a hip clientele.
Sam Young is currently resident DJ at Boujis, Bungalow 8 and Vendome and individually the guys regularly hit the decks at West End nightclubs such as Chinawhite, Cuckoo Club, Jalouse, Alto and more. Sam Young has also played private parties for over ten years ranging from Elton John’s birthday and Freddie Windsor’s wedding to The Killers aftershow and the Red Bull Grand Prix in Monaco. Chad has recently returned from several months DJing in Cape Town.
Sam Mousawi brings venue management expertise along with Mike Filipi – previously of Ignite Group; which is behind Boujis and Eclipse bars.
Chad says: ‘, we thought the idea of a bar owned by DJs was a great one – especially in our area…’
The concept was very simple. Bassam explains ‘,As a DJ, to play what you want without a club manager telling you it needs to be ‘commercial’ is an appealing one and there aren’t any other bars ‘round here with a similar laid back vibe…’
Marvel boasts DJ sets almost every night and plans to host live music on a Sunday. Sounds range from deep tech to nu disco to electronica – but its owners are keen to encourage other well known DJs from the circuit to play in their bar on nights off and give them the freedom to push boundaries with their sets. Sam Young says ‘, the music here will always be on point; it’s very stylish and individual…’
What made them choose the location? They fell in love with the space and they consider themselves locals.
Keen to involve up and coming designers as well as new music and talent, the interior of Marvel has been designed by Lou Chan and has the feel of a New York loft. From its skull and crossbones print scatter cushions to the intricacy of the nine-metre long graphic novel inspired painting on the antique mirror (created as a bespoke piece by Central St Martin’s graduate Athier)to the reclaimed wood that fronts the bar it is all about understatement and detail.
Chad describes the look as ‘, warm and totally unpretentious. We drew inspiration from our favourite things and put them all together in the middle of Chelsea to create something that stands out.’ Artwork on the walls will be frequently changing and updating – making it as diverse (but unified) as the bar’s playlist.
Bassam also points out that ‘, the drinks are as good as the tunes’ and the bar has created individual cocktails for each of the partners – all available on the extensive bar menu. The foursome’s dream guests to drink them? Quentin Tarantino, Tiger Woods or John Terry apparently!
Marvel’s recipe: take four clued up South-West Londoners, a shot of inspiration and a touch of class – shake it around with some eclectic beats and serve chilled.
-ends-
For more information, images or interview requests or to review Marvel please contact firgas@raw-material.co.uk
Notes to Editors
- Marvel’s website is www.marvellondon.com and the bar is located at 196 Fulham Road, London SW10 9PN
- Partners are: Chad Symonds, Sam Young, Sam Mousawi, Mike Philipi and Bassam Ibellini
- The bar launched on January 28th 2010 and will host a full press launch in March – details to follow
- Marvel is open from 6pm to 1am every night with DJs most nights and is available for private hires
- Sam Young’s full press kit can be viewed at www.raw-material.co.uk
- The mirror artwork is by www.athier.com and Lou Chan’s details can be found at www.lei-lou.com
- Other artwork on display varies and will be available to buy
- Average cocktail price is £7 and draught beers retail at £4.50
~ by firgas on February 2, 2010.
Posted in sam young
Tags: bar, chelsea, dj, fulham, marvel, PR, raw material, raw news, sam young
