The creative team behind Leaf open new pop up venue – the Grey Space, Getintothis’ Peter Guy grabs a quick peak.
‘Have you recovered, yet?‘
Those were the first words from both Leaf on Bold Street’s top cat Natalie Heywood and her number two Becky Todd when we joined them on Friday evening at a mini gathering of friends at their new venue The Grey Space on Water Street.
They were both referring to the first GIT Award, held at Leaf late last month, and all three of us were still reliving the night while taking in their remarkable new space in West Africa House, adjacent to the Pier Head and Liver Building.
As thousands of people gathered outside awaiting the arrival of the Olympic Torch, just a short hop, skip and a jump away, a small group of artists, musos and creative types took in the remarkable new venture of the Leaf crew revealing a versatile space with so much character.
The 1920s former banking hall contains multiple balconies, twisting spirals of staircases, a deep cut-out fuschia-purple stone floor, striking tall columns, high ceilings and an array of ornate furniture and hanging drapes.
Already Natalie and co had stamped their mark on the multi-functional surrounds adding an Alice In Wonderland meets vintage touch with tiny cake stands, canapes and a DJ spinning the likes of Yeasayer and Talking Heads.
With the newly revamped Camp and Furnace, the Grey Space is yet another rich addition to the Liverpool scene – and with staff suggesting they’ve already got a variety of happenings ear-marked for the venue, things are once again taking an intriguing turn for the better in the city which never sleeps.
