The Deltic Group has opened Atik in Oxford. Pictures by Richard Southall
After eight years, Oxford’s largest nightclub, Lava & Ignite, has been replaced by a new-look venue with strikingly designed new spaces and the latest sound and lighting systems. Launched in September, it is the first club to open under the name of Atik – the newest brand from the UK’s leading operator The Deltic Group. “Lava & Ignite has been part of the Oxford scene for eight years but it’s time to put it to rest and create an entirely new experience for today’s clubbers,” explains regional director Russell Quelch.
To create a stunning new look at Atik, Deltic brought in Design At Source, a leading specialist in bar and club interiors. It encompasses five rooms which have been transformed with concepts drawn from other Deltic venues as well as totally new ideas. The original 80s Room has become Vinyl, featuring extensive booth seating and an illuminated dance floor playing pop classics from the 70s, 80s and 90s. The concept is popular at other Deltic clubs including Kuda in Tamworth, Staffordshire, where Vinyl opened in October in another Design At Source project. However, brands are adapted each time and designed to suit local markets, points out Design At Source director Stuart Trett. “We also strive to move the brand on and introduce new elements at each new site so that the design is constantly evolving.”
The new Atik Lounge builds on the strengths of the old building, with its exposed brickwork, high ceilings and beautiful tall metal-framed windows, creating a space like an urban designer loft apartment for chilling out. Complementing the original timber floor, it is enhanced with antique-style wired glass and hand-painted modern artworks. The reworked main Atik dance room, with state-of-the-art lighting effects, continues the edgy, industrial feel but in a darker stripped-back style to contrast with the light airy feel of the Atik Lounge. Its playlist is commercial, chart, house and base.
The new Curve Room, with an R ‘n’ B vibe, brings another Deltic concept which Stuart describes as “dark, sexy, bling and lots of glamour”. Totally new is a tiki bar called Lua Lalai, specialising in cocktails and sharing drinks in treasure chests and hosting cocktail master classes. “It creates a surprising contrast and talking point and turns a previously under-utilised space into a fun, sexy fifth area with a cocktail and service offer all tailored as part of the tiki style,” Stuart explains.
As part of the £500,000 investment, 18 VIP booths have been added as part of Deltic’s focus on service – boosted by the addition of 50 extra full-time and part-time staff to the previous team of 40. “We are going to raise the game whilst not alienating our core audience,” Russell adds. “We will still have midweek student nights and hope to attract a more local audience at the weekend. With a line-up of internationally acclaimed DJs and celebrity appearances, we are confident that Atik will be a big hit.”
Atik, Cantay House, Park End Street, Oxford OX1 1JD
Tel: 01865 250181
www.atikclub.co.uk
Behind the scenes
Design: Design At Source
Lighting: Tyson Lighting
Main contractor: WFC
Electrical: Haddow Electrical
Flooring: CD Group
Signage: Jasmin Design
Loose furniture: MRF Design, Angus Macrae Interiors
Lighting effects: Technical Arts
Originally published in the December 2015 print edition of Bar magazine.
