Home from home: Eurostar’s new business lounge recalls a stylish Parisian maison

Eurostar has unveiled a new lounge for its Parisian terminus, created in collaboration with London-based design studio Softroom.
Since the service’s inception in 1994, Eurostar operated from Paris’ Gare du Nord, a 19th century station designed on a triumphal arch model by Jacques Ignace Hittorff, and the new lounge design is a modern translation of the Parisian grandeur referenced by the architect.
Eurostar's Paris business lounge
The feel is that of a sophisticated apartment, featuring high ceilings, marble fireplaces and upholstered seating that create an intimate environment. Works by contemporary French artists are on display throughout the space, selected by London’s Hospital Club and available to purchase. Mid-century furniture is combined with classic pieces, and upholstered in a combination of velvets, leather and wool compositions to enhance the domestic feeling of the rooms.
The new bar offers a selection of bespoke cocktails by the London Cocktail Club, while Michelin-celebrated chef Raymond Blanc has contributed a seasonal menu inspired by both sides of the Channel.
The lounge resembles a sophisticated apartment
Eurostar CEO Nicolas Petrovic explains that this new space is part of a ‘wide-reaching programme of investment in our stations and services’, and the newly-inaugurated lounge offers a new aspect to the travelling experience.
‘We’ve re-imagined the striking architecture of the original building, and created a series of different spaces to suit all occasions,’ explained Christopher Bagot, who founded Softroom with Oliver Salway and has since overseen the design of spaces that include the British Museum's Great Court Restaurant. ‘From the light-filled working area, to the relaxing cocktail bar, the lounge offers a flexible environment to travellers.’
High ceilings and marble walls create an intimate environment
Works by French artists adorn the walls
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Eurostar website
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Rosa Bertoli was born in Udine, Italy, and now lives in London. Since 2014, she has been the Design Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees design content for the print and online editions, as well as special editorial projects. Through her role at Wallpaper*, she has written extensively about all areas of design. Rosa has been speaker and moderator for various design talks and conferences including London Craft Week, Maison & Objet, The Italian Cultural Institute (London), Clippings, Zaha Hadid Design, Kartell and Frieze Art Fair. Rosa has been on judging panels for the Chart Architecture Award, the Dutch Design Awards and the DesignGuild Marks. She has written for numerous English and Italian language publications, and worked as a content and communication consultant for fashion and design brands.
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