The Client

The growing chain of Birley Sandwiches recently took on a prestigious site in London’s historic financial district – on the piazza behind the 37-storey office skyscraper, 20 Fenchurch Street (known affectionately as the ‘Walkie Talkie’ on account of its shape).

Set on two floors overlooking the piazza, the operation comprises an opulent ground floor sandwich bar and fully licensed lounge/cocktail bar on the first floor.

System Solution

Sound Division has installed a background music system, selecting four Martin Audio C6.8T ceiling speakers to distribute music in the downstairs area, and six for the floor above.

Introduced to the project by shopfitters Battistel, with whom they have worked previously, Sound Division MD David Graham explains, “Although in reality this is a simple two-zone background music system, the operation is unique in that the ground floor serves the fast moving breakfast and lunchtime sandwich trade, whereas the lounge upstairs – aimed at a clientele coming in after work – requires a slightly punchier sound.”

The Martin Audio solution delivers precisely that versatility. “It sounds richer, generating more bass than other ceiling speakers we have used – and at the same time it delivers articulate speech,” he adds.

The speakers are driven low impedance by three Crown amplifiers, while the music is routed via a Cloud Z4 four-zone mixer – and a dbx 2155 dual 15-band graphic EQ ensures the music upstairs is perfectly controlled.

Bar staff have the ability to adjust the volume level locally on both floors via the Cloud RSL6 remote control panels.

Last Word

Summing up, David Graham says, “It was a privilege to work at such a high prestige site in the city such as this, and on such a pioneering hybrid concept. These ceiling speakers have always proved popular with our London-based customers and their chic clientele – and really help build the atmosphere at Birley.”