Upstairs At The Department Store (restaurant)

[stethoscope]

Anyway, it seems not a day doesn't go by where I'm not gobsmacked by something (but at the same time not particularly in this increasingly bizarre neoliberal world) in that here we have a restaurant, except its not really that in any usual meaning of the word...

The name of the premises is Upstairs at The Department Store (“Upstairs”) which is operated by
The Department Store Brixton Ltd (“DSB”)

Upstairs is a proprietary private guest restaurant and bar, on premises owned by Squire and Partners,
(“S&P”).

DSB reserves the right to charge guests a joining fee and an annual subscription fee. The right to
amend or waive any such fees or subscriptions shall be at DSB’s sole discretion.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of DSB is to promote Squire and Partners and provide food, beverage and recreational
facilities for its guests

 

[editor]

Anyway, it seems not a day doesn't go by where I'm not gobsmacked by something (but at the same time not particularly in this increasingly bizarre neoliberal world) in that here we have a restaurant, except its not really that in any usual meaning of the word...

The very definition of exclusivity. But at least they admit it's only there to promote themselves rather to be something the whole community can enjoy.

 

[shakespearegirl]

And this lot specialise in catering to the super rich.

That is true, the super rich are the clients who are going to have the budget and ambition to do more challenging and unique work, which would likely appeal to an architects firm.

They can only work on pro bono projects due to the profits they make working for wealthier clients.

 

[stethoscope]

The very definition of exclusivity. But at least they admit it's only there to promote themselves rather to be something the whole community can enjoy.

The website's not particularly honest though about it.

It does just say... 'Upstairs is a new restaurant and bar in Brixton serving fine food and drinks on the top floor of The Department Store.
Our rooftop location means guests must be registered with us before we can take reservations. To make a guest reservation for dining or drinks please email or call...'

So, I'd look at that and think I'll ring then and book (even 'register' - whatever that entails). Then you read the T&Cs and its basically a private function space for a fucking architect to entertain/feed clients/associates in. Oh, but they'll let you in as a 'guest'. I mean, its certainly exclusive, but all the bullshittery that goes with it too. Just say 'we're part of Squires Architects and primarily a function space really but the public re able to eat here if they want to register/book'.

 

[editor]

That is true, the super rich are the clients who are going to have the budget and ambition to do more challenging and unique work, which would likely appeal to an architects firm.

They can only work on pro bono projects due to the profits they make working for wealthier clients.

If they're happy dealing with those kind of people, that's their choice. But I won't be cheering on a firm that works hand in hand with Middle Eastern property developers on projects that involve stripping out as much affordable housing as possible.

Fuck them. And whether they buy beer from the Brixton Brewery (now part owned by Heineken) or drop a few crumbs into worthy projects won't erase the fact that they're part of the profiteering cancer that is killing London.

 

[Reiabuzz]

The website's not particularly honest though about it.

It does just say... 'Upstairs is a new restaurant and bar in Brixton serving fine food and drinks on the top floor of The Department Store.
Our rooftop location means guests must be registered with us before we can take reservations. To make a guest reservation for dining or drinks please email or call...'

So, I'd look at that and think I'll ring then and book (even 'register' - whatever that entails). Then you read the T&Cs and its basically a private function space for a fucking architect to entertain/feed clients/associates in. Oh, but they'll let you in as a 'guest'. I mean, its certainly exclusive, but all the bullshittery that goes with it too. Just say 'we're part of Squires Architects and primarily a function space really but the public re able to eat here if they want to register/book'.

That’s a temporary licensing issue or something according to their website.

 

[stethoscope]

I can't see anything on the website about this at all, and all their T&Cs say...

CODE OF CONDUCT AND LICENSING CONDITIONS

The sale or supply of alcohol and other licensable activities in the premises is permitted within the
hours and conditions permitted under the Premises License in respect of Upstairs. Guests and friends
must not engage in any behaviour or activity that breaches or imperils the DSB Premises License.

Also, does anyone know if they do charge for a joining fee/subscription? Or is this just their T&Cs covering the option?

RULES OF OBTAINING AND MAINTAINING A GUEST CARD

The name of the premises is Upstairs at The Department Store (“Upstairs”) which is operated by
The
Department Store Brixton Ltd (“DSB”)
.
Upstairs is a proprietary private guest restaurant and bar, on premises owned by Squire and Partners,
(“S&P”).
DSB reserves the right to charge guests a joining fee and an annual subscription fee. The right to
amend or waive any such fees or subscriptions shall be at DSB’s sole discretion.


...


GUEST CARDS

A Guest Card is open to people aged 25 years and above and shall be open without discrimination,
which is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010. The applicant will supply their details to DSB upon
invitation. Any inaccuracy in or omission from an application may render it void at the discretion of
DSB. Guest Cards are non-transferable. Upon obtaining an invitation for a Guest Card, the guest will
be notified accordingly and they will be provided with a copy of the terms and conditions. The guest
shall be bound by all terms and conditions, which may be made or varied from time to time.
The elected or admitted guest shall not be entitled to enter until he or she has activated their Guest
Card by making a reservation and having had a photo taken.
DSB
has the right to refuse any application for, or termination of, a Guest Card without giving a
reason. DSB shall have discretion to introduce different tiers, for example: lifetime guests or honorary
guests.

And the possibility of guest 'tiers' too

 

[Reiabuzz]

I can't see anything on the website about this at all, and all their T&Cs say...



Also, does anyone know if they do charge for a joining fee/subscription? Or is this just their T&Cs covering the option?



And the possibility of guest 'tiers' too

It’s at the top of the page

Upstairs at The Department Store

 

[stethoscope]

It’s at the top of the page

Upstairs at The Department Store

Ah, its on the DSB site, not the restaurant one.

 

[artyfarty]

Ok I’ll come clean. I went a while ago with a friend who invited us. The view is good the space is pretty huge. The staff were charming the food was middling. You can watch people doing drug deals in the back street below. The clientele didn’t look rich just gentrified new Brixton. Beats me why it’s booked solid days in advance though.

 

[editor]

Ok I’ll come clean. I went a while ago with a friend who invited us. The view is good the space is pretty huge. The staff were charming the food was middling. You can watch people doing drug deals in the back street below. The clientele didn’t look rich just gentrified new Brixton. Beats me why it’s booked solid days in advance though.

The place is huge. Someone was saying earlier that office space was urgently needed in Brixton but this lot are hogging loads of it for themselves.

The downstairs/entrance area is massive and it's been left more or less empty because it makes a big design statement or something. Imagine how many offices you could fit into that empty space alone!

 

[editor]

Ok I’ll come clean. I went a while ago with a friend who invited us. The view is good the space is pretty huge. The staff were charming the food was middling. You can watch people doing drug deals in the back street below.

Edgy!

 

[sparkybird]

That is true, the super rich are the clients who are going to have the budget and ambition to do more challenging and unique work, which would likely appeal to an architects firm.

They can only work on pro bono projects due to the profits they make working for wealthier clients.

Exactly. I do this myself. I take on complex and expensive projects from people who have the money to afford them. This pays my bills. Then I can do work at low or no cost for those who can't.
What does that make me??

 

[SpamMisery]

Almost wish it was still derelict, then we wouldn't be arguing over such a trivial thing. It's their offices, they can do with it as they please.

But seeing as we are discussing it, how long do license applications normally take?

The photos make it look great

 

[stethoscope]

Almost wish it was still derelict, then we wouldn't be arguing over such a trivial thing. It's their offices, they can do with it as they please.

But seeing as we are discussing it, how long do license applications normally take?

The photos make it look great

Anyway, I don't think anyone has said they can't do what they like with it, because they clearly they can and are - the benefits of capital eh?! People are just as entitled to criticise it though for what it represents in a wider context of rapid social and economic change in an area and its affect.

And its just not a restaurant really is it, not in anyone I know sense of word?! It looks very swish, but its basically a huge loft apartment with fuck all tables, some sofa's and four designer deck chairs.

 

[SpamMisery]

Those four tables in the back of the image seat 48 people. That's more than many restaurants. Now you're gonna tell me you want your own table. Next it'll be proper cutlery.

 

[editor]

Anyway, I don't think anyone has said they can't do what they like with it, because they clearly they can and are - the benefits of capital eh?! People are just as entitled to criticise it though for what it represents in a wider context of rapid social and economic change in an area and its affect.

And its just not a restaurant really is it, not in anyone I know sense of word?! It looks very swish, but its basically a huge loft apartment with fuck all tables, some sofa's and four designer deck chairs.

Imagine what that space alone must be worth! And that's only a tiny part of their premises.

They must have made a fortune for themselves with all their dealings with ultra-rich investors and dodgy offshore developers trying to avoid any kind of affordable housing obligations.

 

[stethoscope]

Those four tables in the back of the image seat 48 people. That's more than many restaurants. Now you're gonna tell me you want your own table. Next it'll be proper cutlery.

There's nothing appealing for me in that setting at all. It looks really uninviting to me as somewhere to eat. Better possibly as a busy bar (which it might be if it was properly public).

 

[editor]

There's nothing appealing for me in that setting at all. It looks really uninviting to me as somewhere to eat. Better possibly as a busy bar (which it might be if it was properly public).

Ah yes, but perhaps you're forgetting you can soak in a real urban Brixton vibe and watch the drug dealers from the safety of your exclusive rooftop while grazing on nibbles and supping cocktails!

 

[Harbourite]

Anyway, I don't think anyone has said they can't do what they like with it, because they clearly they can and are - the benefits of capital eh?! People are just as entitled to criticise it though for what it represents in a wider context of rapid social and economic change in an area and its affect.

And its just not a restaurant really is it, not in anyone I know sense of word?! It looks very swish, but its basically a huge loft apartment with fuck all tables, some sofa's and four designer deck chairs.

i expect the terrace gets a bit windy which must play havoc with the ping pong table. unless they've architected (?) a cunning way of preventing gusts redirecting the ball.

 

[Harbourite]

Almost wish it was still derelict, then we wouldn't be arguing over such a trivial thing. It's their offices, they can do with it as they please.

But seeing as we are discussing it, how long do license applications normally take?

The photos make it look great

looks like some definite spinning going on at the fuss ball table. fuckers.

 

[stethoscope]

i expect the terrace gets a bit windy which must play havoc with the ping pong table. unless they've architected (?) a cunning way of preventing gusts redirecting the ball.

I didn't even see that Or particularly notice the table footy. Such as I was blinded by the shinyness. They all seem to be youthful, trendy, and er white.

 

[Mr Retro]

The usual hidebound nonsense.

They could stand outside the KFC doling out tenners 24 hours a day until Christmas and it wouldn’t be good enough for some posters on here. They have been pigeon holed as A Bad Thing and on Urban 75 it is easier to escape from a black hole than a pigeon hole.

 

[editor]

They could stand outside the KFC doling out tenners 24 hours a day until Christmas and it wouldn’t be good enough for some posters on here. They have been pigeon holed as A Bad Thing and on Urban 75 it is easier to escape from a black hole than a pigeon hole.

Ah, the old Urban Monothought Collective bullshit. How predictable. How dull.

How do you feel about super rich architects colluding with greedy offshore property developers to deprive Londoners of desperately needed affordable homes? All OK in your book?

 

[editor]

i expect the terrace gets a bit windy which must play havoc with the ping pong table. unless they've architected (?) a cunning way of preventing gusts redirecting the ball.

They hire a few locals to form a human barrier to prevent the wind reaching their table. All helps the local employment you see!

 

[SpamMisery]

There's nothing appealing for me in that setting at all. It looks really uninviting to me as somewhere to eat. Better possibly as a busy bar (which it might be if it was properly public).

To each their own. I like it, but I agree it looks more like a bar. Except the long tables, which look like Yo Sushi.

 

[Gramsci]

That is true, the super rich are the clients who are going to have the budget and ambition to do more challenging and unique work, which would likely appeal to an architects firm.

They can only work on pro bono projects due to the profits they make working for wealthier clients.

Several issues here.

Not having a go at you personally but this post demonstrates how Neo Liberalism has entrenched itself as the "common sense" of society. ( As stethoscope has suggested. Also my namesake).

The super rich don't have more ambition than anyone else. A local example is the Brixton Rec. This now has Grade two listed status. One reason is that it's good example of post war socialist architecture. After WW2 there was general feeling that ordinary people should have good architecture and facilities. The Rec is an example of that. Post war the normal career move for architecture student was to work for a local Council.

Thatcher tore up the post war consensus.

Now this society went backward. It's back to depending on philanthropy of the wealthy. Squires are like the Tate family who built the library. All very well but is this really the kind of society people want to live in?

One based around class?

I come from a cross class background. Father working class and mother upper middle class. I remember my grandmother. She could not get over the decline in deference and loss of prestige she felt her class suffered post war.( To add this was real. Ordinary people fought and defeated Hitler. No way we're they going to put up with a society run by my grandmother's lot post war) She had a real resentment. Understandable in a way when one loses all that.

What I've seen in my adult life is gradual change over 30 years to point where individuals like Squires are seen as a good thing. My grandmother would have approved. A change for the better. At last a return to a society based on philanthropy by those who have good taste.

In hard headed reality , whilst as individual social actors, I have nothing against Squires personally the Department building imo isn't socially progressive.

 

[Gramsci]

Anyway, I don't think anyone has said they can't do what they like with it, because they clearly they can and are - the benefits of capital eh?! People are just as entitled to criticise it though for what it represents in a wider context of rapid social and economic change in an area and its affect.

And its just not a restaurant really is it, not in anyone I know sense of word?! It looks very swish, but its basically a huge loft apartment with fuck all tables, some sofa's and four designer deck chairs.

Word of advice Spam is right wing troll on Brixton forum. Spam is wind up merchant. Check Spams profile.

 

[existentialist]

Some twat has piped up

TBH, if I were a Machiavellian evil bastard who'd been pissed off by the place, that's exactly the kind of tweet I'd have posted

 

[existentialist]

In all fairness, it's difficult to expect any level of customer service if you're not actually a customer

Ah, but you might be an incipient customer...