17 Dec 08
www.thewappingproject.com
A trip to Wapping proves a tasty treat for all the senses! Great food, fantastic setting and art installations galore!
Australian theatre director and doctor of psychology Jules Wright launched The Wapping Project in October 2000, combining contemporary art, performance and fine dining within the inspiring architecture of Wapping's former hydraulic power station. She has coaxed the industrial shell back to life and added a bright new creative force to the once tired and derelict space. 4 million quid has been well spent and the 'project' is now a gloriously under stated urban dining/creative experience... which for the 4th successive year, has been voted as one of the 100 “coolest brands in Britain”.
We enjoyed our delicious meal sat amongst the old industrial turbines which used to power safety curtains in the West End and the lifts at Claridge's. Our clean lined modernist tables and chairs adding a canteen-esque feel - a clash of styles that, on paper should not work, but in reality - compliment surprisingly well... The food was great too - Jules and her young, enthusiastic team attended table with just the right amount of attitude, never fussing but attentive from afar - perfect!
Images above show: Top left - exterior of the converted Hydraulic Power Station, inset - Jules Wright, the creative force behind the project. Top right - part of the 'Turning the Season' exhibition entitled 'Trophy Wall', an installation of porcelain deer skulls by artist Samuel Spenser. Bottom left - the central dining space is a neo-industrial environment to savour! bottom right - the lower exhibition space showing photo story directed by Jules Wright, shot by fashion photographer Thomas Zanon-Larcher... a really great collection of images and props that takes an artistic look at the social and cultural phenomenon of the 'British Season'.
...I never knew that a cab ride to Wapping could be so rewarding! The Wapping Project is a real gem and well worth a few hours of your time. I had a great conversation with Jules and she really is a dynamic and charming host. (Thanks to Matt, Gurdish and the Guy's and Gal's at Fluent for making this a really memorable festive bash).
8 out of 10
