London audiophile bar Spiritland is opening a new venue in the Southbank Centre

London audiophile bar Spiritland is opening a new venue in the Southbank Centre tonight, Wednesday 19th December. 

Named Spiritland Royal Festival Hall, the space will include a 180-cover restaurant, and host guest DJs on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, alongside talks curated by BBC Radio 4 host, John Wilson. 

Nottingham-based custom speaker firm Living Voice has delivered the new bespoke system which features vintage Air Partner speakers. The same company was responsible for sound at Spiritland's flagship Kings Cross address, where a specialist mixer designed by Dixon, Floating Points and Soulwax occupies pride of place. Meanwhile, the interior places a focus on the site's wider use, with strong nods to the performing arts via theatre-like aesthetics. 

Elsewhere in the UK Manchester's latest audiophile space, 33 Oldham Street, was unveiled last month; a four floor venture from Andy Smith, co-founder of Kendal Calling and the iconic Bluedot Festival (which just confirmed Kraftwerk as 2019 headliners). Among its assets visitors will find sound designed by Grammy-winning producer Steve Levine. As with many similar spaces, Japan's sonically groundbreaking bars have provided the inspiration. Take a look at our recent feature on the country's techno scene and how much is owed to the musical hangouts of 1970s Tokyo.