Tucked away behind a pawnbrokers in Brighton, Dirty Blonde is the latest bar and restaurant concept from Eclectic Bar Group. Uniquely, during the day the pawn shop operates as a seperate business, selling vintage goods, but at night it becomes a meet and greet area for the bar with VIP booths.

The challenge

Dirty Blonde aims to bring an injection of vintage styling and New York inspired 1920s decadence to Brighton. The venue was designed to transform from a daytime location for eating, drinking and relaxing into a place for dining and cocktails in the evening through to a late night venue with entertainment, live music and DJs.

The challenge was to create a decadent and indulgent interior which would welcome customers whether they were looking for a day time meal or an evening to cocktails and live entertainment.

The solution

The interior was designed by leading hospitality and design practice Julian Taylor Design Associates who has worked on other projects with Eclectic. Julian contacted Chantelle Lighting to help interpret his vision of a warm, vintage themed interior. 

Chantelle Lighting Managing Director Anthony Holly said: "The team at Julian Taylor Design Associates contacted us with a very creative brief for a venue which really is multi-use. We worked with them to design and manufacture a number of bespoke pieces, including large circular framed feature lights with antique frames and opal glass globes. We then complimented these with vintage decanter pendant lights which give a warm ambience over the tables in the dining area. The lighting looks just as impressive in the afternoon as it does at 3AM.

The result

Julian Taylor said: "We are delighted with the overall finished result at Dirty Blonde. Sumptuous fabrics, unique wall art and bold, bespoke lighting all combine to create a vibrant venue which looks set to become on of Brighton's hottest places to visit.

Dirty Blonde is now set to be rolled out as a brand by Eclectic who are looking for potential sites across the UK.