coolography

paramount

Posted on: 3 November 2008

As one of the first skyscrapers in London’s skyline, Centrepoint courted controversy for years, firstly as an architectural eyesore, then as a symbol of property greed and waste; it lay unoccupied for years as a tenant could not be found that was willing to lease all 33 floors. Eventually businesses began to populate the building which reached listed status in 1995. Today, however, for the majority of Londoners, Centrepoint exists as nothing but a simple landmark, a towering concrete beacon that alerts all wayward wanderers that neighbouring bloomsbury and soho are nearby.

Restaurateur Pierre Condou is now set to change perceptions of this beleaguered tower in a major way this Autumn. Responsible also for soho’s Century Club, Condou has spent the last 4 years revamping the top 3 floors into perhaps London’s most desirable space.

Split into 3 distinct floors, Paramount offers 3 different levels, Game of Death style, of luxury and exclusivity. Level 31 offers a venue for private parties and events, with a 10 metre bar, dance floor, audiovisual facilities, and a 24 hour license.

Level 32 is the location of the bar, lounge and restaurant, where fortunate members and their guests can enjoy drinks or dine at formal or informal levels.

Level 33 is Paramount’s crowning achievement, a champagne and cocktail bar with 360°, floor to ceiling windows that offer the best views possible overlooking London.

While facing the exterior is a large draw to Paramount, designer Tom Dixon has ensured the interior views are (nearly) as appealing. The combination of sky high views, minimally styled interiors, and prime location in near the centre of London very nearly ensures that Paramount will be something special to watch in the coming years.

Paramount is strictly member’s only, but for those willing to try their luck membership can be applied for through this rather daunting application form.

Paramount