Projects

MERCHANT MUSIC HAS ENJOYED LONG LIVED RELATIONSHIPS WITH RECOGNISABLE VENUES TO PRODUCE EXCLUSIVE LIVE MUSIC EVENTS IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND

Opera Grill

THE CONCEPT

Standing out from the crowd, the 400-seater restaurant is housed in a grand Grade II listed building featuring a distinct neoclassical Greek façade and mixes an industrial look with a touch of opulence inside. Opera Grill brings theatre on a grand scale to Chester. At the heart of our menu is the theatre charcoal grill and wood burning ovens, inspired by revered chefs and restaurants from around the world. The entertainment continues in the first-floor Music Gallery featuring a stage set for live acts every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and a mix of soulful classics performed by our gospel choir every Sunday.

THE RELATIONSHIP

Merchant Music has enjoyed an ongoing six year relationship with Opera Grill, a venue which has gone on to become one of the most exclusive live music venues in the North of England hosting a diverse range of artists from the like of the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, Russell Watson, Laura Wright, Jonathan Antoine and many others. Prior to the venue opening its doors in 2016 Merchant Music was commissioned at a technical level to design the stage space and procure the backline, front of house, stage lighting & software systems for the Music Gallery.

Having established the physical attributes for the stage space and the necessary equipment the second phase of the project focussed upon sourcing artists for the venues Music Lounge. Working closely with the Individual Restaurants Chief Executive (Steven Walker) we formulated a music policy for live performance and headed up a recruitment drive to source the best possible artists in keeping with the brands ethos, image and luxury standards.

Askham Hall

THE CONCEPT

Dating back to the 14th century Askham Hall has part of the Lowther family since the 1830’s. In 2012 the then Countess of Lonsdale and her son and daughter; Charles Lowther and Marie-Louisa Raeburn, arranged for the large scale conversion of Askham Hall into a boutique hotel and wedding venue. Within the grounds of Askham Hall, lies the charming Grade II listed Bank Barn which has been sympathetically converted into a first class wedding venue with a capacity for up to 156 guests seated and up to 200 guests for evening receptions. With original features, bare stone walls and an open beamed oak ceiling together with contemporary lighting, an oak dance floor and large glass doors, Askham Hall really is a special and unique setting for weddings.

THE RELATIONSHIP

Prior to Askham Hall opening its doors to the public, Merchant Music were commissioned to ensure the venue complied with health and safety guidelines pertaining noise levels whilst maximising the guest experience of live and amplified music. Merchant Music worked alongside acousticians and the local authority (Eden District Council) to provide the venue with workable solutions that offered the best possible guest enjoyment of amplified music whilst keeping volume outside of the venue to an absolute minimum. Following our recommendations rock wool was installed in the eaves, roof space and arrow slits of the wedding barn, markedly reducing excessive exterior noise, providing compliance with the local authority requirements and delivering improved acoustics within the event space. Crucially this has meant the use of a sound limiter at the venue was not necessary and thus maximises the guest experience.

George & Dragon

THE CONCEPT

A country estate inn with a restaurant, bar and bedrooms nestled in the edge of the Lake District national park. What makes the George and Dragon so special is that its source of inspiration, history, passion and produce comes from the owners family Estates, right on its doorstep, where food has been produced for more than 800 years. The owners grow and rear as much of their own produce as possible at their sister establishment Askham Hall situated just a couple of miles from the George and Dragon. The philosophy is that of sustainability, simplicity and taste. Whatever isn’t grown or reared at Askham Hall, is fresh, seasonal produce sourced from local suppliers and farmers within about 20 miles radius of the pub.

OUR RELATIONSHIP

Merchant Music has been involved with the pub for over a decade and it holds a dear place is our hearts. The initial relationship began with Charles Lowther seeking our advice on curated playlists appropriate for the bar and restaurant space at various different points of the day and night.We met with Charles to gain an insight into the history of the Lowther estate, understand his goals and objectives and to better understand his ethos and the clientele he was targeting. Merchant Music delivered a background music collection which is split over three playlists; morning, lunch and evening. The playlist is an ever evolving collection of “All Killer – No Filler” and circa 3000 songs from the fifties to the present day. We continue to provide music consultancy and support to the team at the George & Dragon and have organised live music for the many events and parties held at this beautiful boutique venue.