CHALLENGE

The O2 Arena provided us with a 700 capacity bar, used mainly by music fans as a space to sink a few post-gig pints — not exactly VVIP. My challenge was to make the most of the space’s good bones and transform it into an exquisite fine-dining experience. 

With ticket prices higher than ever, an expanded capacity and most of London’s elite on a waitlist, the level of detail had to be faultless and the wow-factor turned up to eleven.

STRATEGY

London’s iconic O2 Arena is an internationally renowned music venue, hosting some of the biggest global acts, past to present. My vision was to capture this iconic cultural legacy and take our VVIPs on a journey behind the glitzy curtain of Rocket Rod’s famed past. I told the story of Rod as the ultimate 60’s icon, showcasing his hey-day in swinging London, where he lived it up with A-Listers and rubbed shoulders with Royalty. 

SOLUTION

I crafted the space to tell an unfolding story, allowing for guests to move between different chapters of Rod’s life whilst also experiencing all their hospitality needs. 

Scale was key throughout. I designed the entrance tunnel to have impact. It told the story of our larger-than-life legend through over-sized photography, faux newspaper headlines and curated memorabilia. 

Once inside, guests enjoyed specialty cocktails at the grand bar, marvelled at the vintage racket motifs or enjoyed some of Rod’s greatest matches on screen.

Rocket Rod inspired the great and the good — even Elton John. I unearthed a photo of the pop star sporting a Rod Laver jumper on the courts of Wimbledon. But why settle for the photo if you can make the real thing?

I commissioned a recreation of the jersey, stitch for stitch, as the centre piece of the grand entrance.