The Alchemist

The Alchemist arrived with a splash in 2010, offering a cocktail bar and restaurant experience unlike any other. As their evocative name suggests, they don’t just bring food and drink to the party, they bring a special kind of magic. In the unlikely event there’s any room left for doubt, The Alchemist’s catchy slogan, ‘Theatre Served’, cements the brand’s commitment to providing a unique, dramatic and memorable drinking and dining adventure. Molecular mixology, elaborate garnishes and unique presentation abound in this ‘mystical apothecary’.

But for such culinary and mixological wizardry to truly work, the correct context is required, an appropriately creative and vibrant setting. And so the owners of The Alchemist turned to Blacksheep.

Blacksheep is a collective of architects, interior designers and brand strategists who have been fully immersed in the hospitality space for over two decades. From their London base, they have applied their creativity, insight and unique problem-solving capabilities in the UK and across the globe: Paris, Brussels, Bordeaux, Nice, Prague, Berlin, Sardinia, Barcelona, San Francisco, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Jordan, and Dubai. Their extensive portfolio of hospitality projects includes the Hyatt Regency in Nice, two Michelin -starred restaurants—Skof, Manchester and Aulis, London—the Glenlivet Visitor Experience in Ballindalloch, and numerous household names: Ritz Carlton, Sheraton, Marriott, Hermès, Popeyes, Five Guys and Wagamama.

No two incarnations of The Alchemist are the same, each drawing from its environs. When Blacksheep set to creating The Alchemist in Edinburgh, they drew inspiration from the city itself and, moreover, its geological foundations. The design incorporates elements reminiscent of molten rock and the area’s historical architecture. Features such as gilded floor cracks, overhead lighting, and an amber-lit bar contribute to the venue’s atmosphere. The colour scheme, combining black, burnt orange, and brass, is complemented by snake and cosmic imagery, aiming to create a visually striking and distinctive environment.

Engineered using high spec nature grade European oak, Ollerton has a soft black tone with contrasting silvery grain detail and is available in wide 190mm planks with a 3mm wear layer or herringbone blocks. Each 14mm thick board or block has been lightly brushed to reveal the natural grain detail of the oak. A hardened oil finish that combines a natural look with a subtle sheen provides extra wear and splash resistance making it easy to maintain.

The Alchemist is committed to sustainability through its ‘five pillars’: energy, waste, transport, community, and pledge. Their initiatives include energy-efficient equipment, food waste reduction, local sourcing, charitable support, and employee volunteering. Furthermore, their ‘Carbon Free Dining’ program, in partnership with a non-profit organisation, allows customers to donate a small percentage of their bill to plant trees in the developing world. The Alchemist is dedicated to continuous improvement and further reducing their environmental impact.

Ted Todd is the perfect partner in this regard, having been one of the first companies in Europe to be fully FSC™ certified, way back in 1997, just four years after the company’s inception. Like many Ted Todd floors, Ollerton has FSC™ certification.