Well it sure isn’t a chandelier!  Sorry about dodgy photo taken by iPhone but this is the first evidence of the spectacular lighting arrangement that is going to, er, illuminate the Barbican Food Hall. There are 600 of these olive oil jars in various sizes and every single one will have its own energy efficient miniature light bulb. They are contained within a sort of cage suspended from the ceiling. Can’t wait to see them all lit up, sure it’s going to be fantastic.

I really can’t say enough about the service and attention to detail we are getting from PSLABS of Beirut. When I heard that Helen Hughes, the designer, was seeking lighting help from a company in Beirut it seemed a bit odd. No-one in the UK does good lighting?

However, I have to admit that any company would be hard pressed to match the determination of these guys to get everything just right. Even last week they contacted us to say they wanted to add yet another detail to some of the fittings – and, in case you were feeling cynical – all this is being done within budget! These things are so stylish that there is a rumour that an achingly cool magazine is devoting several pages to them.

Elsewhere work is still progressing well although we have had one disaster. The granite top for the main bar in the upstairs Lounge arrived cracked. It was just a small fault but I’ve learned now that these guys are perfectionists and, well, it wasn’t perfect. So now we are waiting for another one.

Finally, for now, here’s a picture of the food hall ceiling as restored. While I accept that the Barbican is perhaps the original “Marmite” building it seems a shame that this magnificent ceiling was hidden away beyond a false covering. Now returned to its original appearance it is amazing the impact it has on the room.