Having been a preferred supplier of audio-visual services to the award-winning Brewery for the past seven years, the London event services company PSL was the ideal candidate to handle the design and installation of new production facilities. "PSL is familiar with the building, and we're very comfortable with PSL," says Lawson. "They've led the design process throughout but we've been closely involved, especially when it came to the replacement of the sound system."
The Brewery has worked closely with PSL and the Corporation of London on the specification for a new, permanent audio system in its 600-capacity Porter Tun banqueting suite. Previously, Porter Tun's users would bring in PA systems as required, but The Brewery has had to respond to complaints about noise leakage from residents at the nearby Barbican. Under the supervision of PSL's John Montague, PSL has installed eight d&b Qi7 passive 2-way loudspeakers, wall-mounted down either side of the Porter Tun, and tightly controlled by a BSS Soundweb signal processing network.
The bulk of the contract has been taken up by new lighting provision, not only in the Porter Tun room, but throughout all the function rooms of The Brewery. PSL has installed LEDs in all eight meeting rooms, programmed to provide instant effects and colour, thereby allowing each room to be themed at the push of a button. "The lighting has revolutionised the Vaults especially," says MD Lawson. "By changing the venues' identity, and maximising the usage of the rooms, it will translate into a real increase in business for us."
The Brewery's showpiece Porter Tun room is one of the largest unobstructed rooms in London, with a magnificent King Post timber roof dating back to 1782. When it came to installing new lighting, Montague and his team were highly restricted, unable to attach anything to the beams. Working with Metropolis AV, Montague designed custom LED fittings which are light and small, but have very high output, together with custom-made brackets that fit over all the beams. These are under the control of a Green Hippo Hippotizer, a video multi-media server which enables the creation of abstract shapes, colours and effects in the beamed ceiling.
Claire Lawson says she is "absolutely ecstatic" with the results of PSL's installation work. "It works so much better because it has all been bespoke designed for the rooms. This will take us to the next level with our clients, and enable us to stay ahead of our competition."
The first clients to use the showpiece Porter Tun Room for a gala dinner with live entertainment were members of the AEO, the Association of Exhibition Organisers. For the event, PSL supplemented the permanently installed systems with additional lighting for the presenters and performers on stage, and full front-of-house control systems.
PSL continues in its role as preferred supplier of The Brewery's AV requirements, helping them to award-winning status. The Brewery is currently 'Venue of the Year' (CEA Awards), 'The UK's Number One Corporate Party Venue' (RSVP Magazine), and 'London's Number One Conference Venue' (City AM Award).
(Chris Henry)
