Commercial Bar Installations at Bradford Live, City of Culture 2025

As part of Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture 2025, Bradford Live played a central role in the district’s programme of performances, exhibitions and events. Taking place across the Bradford District, Bradford 2025 celebrated one of the UK’s youngest and most diverse cities, with culture created for, with and by the local community.

Key highlights of the programme included Painting the Sky by David Hockney and SKYMAGIC, Comedy Nights and the Turner Prize in partnership with Tate. BBC Introducing gigs were hosted at Bradford’s iconic “The Underground” venue and cinema experiences were delivered in collaboration with the National Science & Media Museum.

Venue and Restoration

Bradford Live is housed in the former Odeon Cinema, a historic 1930s Art Deco building. The venue has been carefully preserved, offering world-class live music and entertainment. It also includes flexible spaces for conferences, exhibitions and large-scale events.

Servaclean was commissioned to deliver multiple bar installations throughout the venue, supporting everything from large audience performances to premium hospitality experiences.

Ground Floor Stalls Foyer Bar

A large, sweeping bar was created to follow the contours of the building, providing service for welcome drinks, interval refreshments and general event operation.

A basket system was installed to allow reusable polycarbonate glassware to be rapidly replenished via a separate back-of-house glasswash facility. Multiple cocktail stations were implemented to support both cocktail preparation and the efficient production of spirit and mixer drinks, ensuring fast service during busy events.

Gaumont Room Bar

Nestled between grand Art Deco columns, the Gaumont Room bar was installed to serve this versatile multi-purpose space. A flexible basket system was incorporated to allow glassware to be changed to suit each event, from high-end banqueting to breakout sessions from the main auditorium.

The backfitting included British-made bottle coolers, keeping bottled beers, wines and soft drinks at the optimum temperature. A separate back-of-house glasswash facility was installed to enable mess-free loading and unloading, with a DRAINERShelf directing liquid waste straight to mains drainage.

Boiler Room Bar

Designed as a 1930s-style speakeasy and featuring the building’s original cast iron boilers, the Boiler Room bar was created as a self-contained unit with a cocktail station and integrated glasswash facility.

Patented GLASShelf units were installed to allow glasses to be stored upside-down with minimal rim contact. Stainless steel drip trays were fitted to catch spills and condensation and slide out easily for routine cleaning, keeping the area hygienic and efficient.

First Floor Circle Foyer Bar

Mirroring the Ground Floor Stalls Foyer below, this bar was installed to serve guests in the Circle area. A basket system was implemented to allow glassware to be quickly replenished from the integrated glasswash facilities. Custom stainless steel worktops were fitted with a sink for slops disposal, draining areas for basket loading, BASKETDrawer units for convenient unloading and hinged doors for discreet storage.

Ballroom Bar

Located within the restored Art Deco ballroom, this bar was installed to provide service for a wide variety of bespoke events, including Bradford Live, as well as weddings, gala dinners, award ceremonies and conferences.

A basket system was fitted to allow glassware to be matched to each type of event. BASKETShelf units were implemented with individual stainless steel drip trays that slide out for easy cleaning, ensuring efficiency and hygiene during service.

VIP Lounge

Situated in the South Turret, the VIP Lounge bar was created to offer panoramic views over Centenary Square and the Mirror Pool. It was configured to dispense draught beer and cider, cocktails, wine, spirits and bottled products.

Hygiene and efficiency were central to the design, allowing staff to deliver a seamless guest experience in this exclusive space.

Collaborative Project Delivery

The project was overseen by Servaclean’s Sales Director Neil Allitt and Project Manager Adam Turnbull. Close coordination between the client team, contractors and consultants played a key role in the successful delivery of all the bars for the project. Thank you to:

Mr Andrew Bradley – Head of Operations, Bradford Live Venue (Occupier)
Mr Mark Hollington – Group Hospitality Director, Trafalgar UK Theatres Ltd (Operating Manager)
Mr Tony Heseltine – Project Manager, RN Wooler & Co Ltd (Main Contractor)
Mr Adam Copeland – Associate Director, Turner & Townsend (Project Manager)
Mr Adam Goodfellow Architect, Tim Ronalds Architects (Architect)

This collaborative approach ensured that the bar systems were seamlessly integrated. This is what Adam has to say:

“It has been an absolute pleasure to play a part in the restoration of this iconic building working both with the main contractor R N Wooler and the operator Trafalgar UK Theatres. Bradford Live is a huge cultural asset, not just for the city but also for the greater West Yorkshire area. The Servaclean undercounter bar systems throughout the venue will ensure that gig-goers will not be shy of a pint, hospitality guests will receive perfectly served fine wines and partygoers can partake in decadent cocktails for many years to come in this truly iconic venue.” – Adam Turnbull, Servaclean Project Manager