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.’