The historic Cat and Mutton in Hackney dates back to 1729 - set over two floors it has been carefully restored this year.
MSL divided the venue into four zones, opting for Martin Audio's ultra-compact AQ architectural loudspeakers; they specified four AQ8 (8in + 1in) and an AQ212 (2 x 12) sub for the main ground floor trading area while upstairs they have installed two AQ6 (6.5in + 1in) full range speakers and opted for four of the same in the adjacent dance area, adding a DJ plug-in point. The sound is routed and source selected via a series of local BSS Soundweb BLU-3 remote controllers, and in addition to its top DJ spec, MSL have also provided HD video projection.
The simultaneous purchase of the former Bar Music Hall on Shoreditch's fashionable Curtain Road has now given the company - run by Steve Ball and Riz Shaikh - a second Blues Kitchen (to match the one in nearby Camden).
Here MSL turned up the burner for the series of blues and soul bands performing by installing a full stage PA based around Martin Audio Blackline. Bands play out through a pair of powerful Blackline F15+ (15in + 1.4in), underpinned by two Blackline S218+ (2 x 18) subwoofers. The spec also includes front-of-house mixing desk and stage monitors.
Elsewhere in this six zone venue, MSL have returned to the AQ series, fitting six AQ8 and a pair of AQ210 (2 x 10) subs in the middle trading area and in the rear - another potent sound zone - six wall mounted AQ8 and a further pair of AQ210 subwoofers.
The energy is transported down to the basement bar where the music is routed through four further AQ8 and AQ212 subs, while to maintain continuity with the Martin Audio catalogue, music is evenly dispersed through all the ancillary areas, cloakrooms and toilets via Martin Audio C4.8t ceiling speakers and a pair of AQ5.
Two other formidable London bar/restaurant owners are Will Beckett and Huw Gott, whose name has become synonymous with the Hawksmoor brand. This summer they opened their latest Hawksmoor in Knightsbridge, and again MSL were on hand with the most delicate of touches in this steak emporium (formerly jockey Frankie Dettori's restaurant Frankie's). Styled in 1930's Art Deco, and equipped with a basement restaurant Hawksmoor Knightsbridge's music mix will waft over diners through Martin Audio white ceiling speakers.
As customers arrive at the main entrance/lobby the aural atmospherics are delivered via four C4.8T (4in) compact two-way ceiling speakers. Once inside four of the more powerful Martin Audio C6.8T (6.5in) ceiling speakers are set over the bar, and in the main restaurant itself, 12 x C6.8T ensure music remains evenly distributed across the room.
As with all MSL venues, the playback is under BSS Soundweb London routing and processing control to provide ultimate flexibility.
(Jim Evans)
