Bespoke Audio and Lighting for the Old Queens Head, London
A unique blend of style and sound in Essex Road’s Old Queens Head.
The Old Queens Head on Essex Road is one of those venues that sticks with you. Part Victorian pub, part live entertainment space, it’s packed with character and energy. But even the most loved spaces need a refresh every so often. When owner Steve and Head of Promotions Ollie felt the ground floor audio system was due for an upgrade, they came to us with a brief that was equal parts practical and creative.
They didn’t want another standard PA system. They wanted something that looked like it had always belonged there, a set of speakers that could pass for vintage hi-fi cabinets but delivered the kind of clarity and punch you’d expect from a modern system. That’s where our expertise in bar sound system installation came in.
Designing Bespoke Speakers
Custom Speakers, Built for the Room
To make it happen, we turned to Toby at Hatchett Sound in Ireland, a specialist in bespoke loudspeaker design. Working closely with the Old Queens Head team, we defined clear aesthetic guidelines: the boxes had to be compact enough for the space, finished in a way that matched the bar’s interior, and styled with a nod to retro hi-fi.
But the looks were only half the challenge. The venue didn’t want subwoofers taking up space, which meant the speakers themselves had to handle low frequencies with confidence. We specified components that could dig deep into the bass range without losing definition. The cabinets were tuned and ported to extend that low-end response, giving the system real authority without the need for additional boxes on the floor.
Performance Meets Precision
Tuned to Perfection, Built to Last
To get the most out of the design, we opted for bi-amping. This gave us precise control of the crossover between drivers and allowed for detailed fine-tuning. Using SMAART acoustic measurement software, we created a custom FIR-filtered preset specifically for these cabinets. The settings were then integrated directly into Powersoft Armonía, providing the venue with a system that sounds as refined as it looks.
A single 8-channel Powersoft Unica amplifier powers everything. It’s an efficient, reliable powerhouse that drives the system effortlessly, delivering a sound that’s both warm and hi-fi in character yet powerful enough to handle a busy night in a central London bar.
The finished speakers, clad in light walnut veneer and fronted with laser-cut brass grilles, look right at home in the Old Queens Head. They’re part of the furniture, but once the music kicks in, they’re anything but background.
The Columbo Group have worked with Neuron for years now which is a reflection of the great service they offer. Highly reccomended!
Lighting the Upstairs
A Venue We Know Well
This project wasn’t our first time working at the Old Queens Head. Back in 2023, we completed a lighting system upgrade for the venue on the first floor, creating a flexible rig that supports everything from DJ sets to private hire events.
We installed Chauvet Professional Rogue R1 BeamWashes, compact but powerful fixtures that can shift between punchy beams and smooth washes. They offer a vast colour palette and quick movement, making them ideal for a venue that needs to switch between subtle ambience and full-on party mode.
Control is provided via an Avolites T1, which runs on a touchscreen mini-PC. The system provides the team with a simple and intuitive interface while retaining the power of Avolites’ professional software. With it, staff can create and recall lighting looks quickly, without needing specialist training.
The upgrade has transformed the upstairs room, making it more versatile and more impactful. Whether it’s a headline DJ or a private hire, the space now has a lighting system that matches the energy of the event.
A Cohesive Approach
A Long-Term Partnership in Sound and Light
Together, the audio and lighting upgrades reflect our ongoing relationship with the Columbo Group and their venues. Each project starts with a conversation about how the space is used and what atmosphere the client wants to achieve. From there, we design systems that not only meet technical requirements but also enhance the venue’s identity.
At the Old Queens Head, that meant delivering a bar sound system installation that combines vintage charm with modern performance downstairs, and a reliable, professional lighting system upgrade upstairs.
The Result
Raising the Bar at the Old Queens Head
The ground floor now benefits from a sound system that feels tailor-made for the space, stylish, discreet, and capable of filling the bar with warm, powerful sound. Upstairs, the lighting system adds another layer to the experience, giving promoters and performers the tools to create memorable nights.
For us, the project was an opportunity to push what’s possible with bespoke audio installation in hospitality venues. For the Old Queens Head, it was a chance to stay true to its character while raising the bar for both sound and lighting.
