THE LIBERTINE RESTAURANT

Case Study

The Libertine Restaurant

Royal Exchange in London

Client: The Libertine restaurant project

Annie & Alfie // The Libertine & The Royal Exchange

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Project Overview

Located within the iconic Royal Exchange in London, The Libertine restaurant project required a sensitive and carefully executed transformation of a historic vaulted brick basement into a luxurious, modern dining space. The challenge lay in maintaining the integrity of the 16th-century exposed brick archways while seamlessly integrating modern mechanical and electrical services essential for a high-end restaurant.

The historic preservation aspect posed a significant initial challenge. The vaulted brick structure, with its rich architectural heritage, needed to be preserved without any surface-run cables, ducts or visible services that could compromise the aesthetic charm. Furthermore, the confined basement area required creative service routing to accommodate new electrical infrastructure, plumbing and lighting installations. With these obstacles in mind, Install Projects developed a solution-driven strategy that combined innovative design with precise craftsmanship.

Scope of Work

To address the preservation concern, a service trench was installed around the perimeter of the basement. This trench provided a discreet path for running all the necessary cables, pipework and mechanical systems underground. By eliminating surface installations, they ensured that the exposed brick archways remained undisturbed and visually intact. Above ground, the team implemented a tailored lighting solution, concealing the wiring within conduits that were carefully routed around the archways to maintain the structure’s original beauty.

In addition to protecting the heritage features, Install Projects worked on discreetly integrating the restaurant’s lighting system into custom-designed furniture. This innovative design concealed lighting cables within bespoke fixtures, avoiding visual disruption to the historic brickwork while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The mechanical and electrical services were then expanded to accommodate the needs of the modern restaurant.

This included the plumbing to support the commercial kitchen and bar and electrical infrastructure throughout the dining areas, meeting rooms and quiet spaces.

A major component of the project involved the distribution of power through a newly installed mains distribution system, ensuring that all areas of the restaurant received efficient and reliable services. From the bustling kitchen to the atmospheric drinking areas, every section was equipped to meet operational requirements without sacrificing the building’s architectural appeal.

Results

The result of this meticulous planning and execution was a seamless blend of old-world charm and contemporary luxury. The Libertine restaurant now offers guests a truly unique dining experience, with its preserved brick archways and vaulted ceilings complementing the modern, functional amenities hidden within the design. The outcome not only achieved the client’s vision of maintaining the historical character but also delivered a functional, visually stunning space that supports daily operations.

By overcoming the initial design and logistical challenges, Install Projects demonstrated their expertise in heritage-sensitive renovations. The successful transformation of the Royal Exchange’s basement into The Libertine restaurant highlights the importance of thoughtful design, precision, and innovation in projects where preservation and functionality must go hand in hand. The result is a space where history is respected, and modern luxury thrives—a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the Install Projects team.

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