Camden

The world famous Camden Market in London receives half a million visitors a week, and now to add to their experience is the exquisite new Gilgamesh restaurant and lounge-bar. Not simply a restaurant, the venue is also to hold live music, dance shows, functions and events, all under one roof. Or none, depending on the time of day!

Situated in the Stables area of the market, the colossal restaurant is themed after the ancient Babylonian story of King Gilgamesh, and designed as replica of his palace. Serving a mixture of Pan-Asian cuisine, the kitsch restaurant is a unique mix of modern design and ancient theming. To complete the ambient atmosphere typical of Camden town, the restaurant has a 40ft high retractable-roof, powered and controlled by Street CraneXpress Ltd, allowing the sunshine to pour in on warm summer days.

Street CraneXpress’s experience with moving structures meant they were the ideal choice to power this impressive feature.

The retractable section of the 15,000sq ft roof covers the main part of the restaurant and lounge, which incorporates the world’s longest bar. The five moving panels, each 4.2m wide, can be moved individually, or together to open up the whole roof. Should all the panels be retracted at once, they operate in a staggered fashion creating a wave of movement across the roof. This has a practical function as well as an aesthetic one. The two second intervals between adjoining panels prevent a high current surge during start up.

A further safety function is incorporated into the control mechanisms for the roof. Once triggered by the operator, the panels retract to their fully open position whilst the button is depressed. The system has an auto-safety shut-down should the button be released, so that the operator has control over the panels at all times.

The panels move at 2m/min, meaning that the whole canopy can be opened out in under 7 minutes. Because the retraction is silent, it does not disturb the diners, but gives them a unique open restaurant experience, making a meal at Gilgamesh fit for a King.