Bar Shrimp interior with mid-century decor, showing stylish manchester bar acoustic panels enhancing ambiance.

Manchester’s Bar Shrimp Offers Perfect Sound with Bespoke Acoustic Innovations

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-10-07

At Bar Shrimp in Manchester, the cocktail bar experience is transformed by the strategic use of design and acoustics. Located in a vintage-inspired setting, Bar Shrimp combines deep red velvet interiors with cutting-edge acoustic solutions from Autex Acoustics. The integration of sound-dampening panels plays a crucial role in creating an ambiance where music and conversation seamlessly coexist.

Interior of Bar Shrimp featuring elegant mid-century bar decor elements.
Bar Shrimp’s interior draws on mid-century bar decor

Sound Solutions: A Sound and Design Revolution

Bar Shrimp’s interior design draws inspiration from the grandeur of vintage New York music lounges. Co-founder Richard Cossins expressed a desire to craft a space where guests could comfortably linger, enveloped in rich sound. The existing architectural elements, such as concrete floors and expansive glass walls, posed an acoustic challenge, prompting a collaboration with Autex Acoustics to introduce softer materials, including noise control panels.

To explore more about innovative transformations in design, read how a Victorian home was reimagined with recycled materials and skylit features.

The acoustic enhancement features a bespoke Frontier Axis ceiling system and Mirage wall panels. These elements are engineered to decrease reverberation while maintaining visual appeal through intricate laser-etched textures inspired by the natural world.

DJ positioned behind a music console in Bar Shrimp, playing music.
DJs provide a curated music programme throughout the day

Technical Precision Meets Aesthetic Excellence

Daniel Senior, Director of Autex Acoustics UK, EU, and the Middle East, highlighted the dual focus on both technological and aesthetic integration. “We laser etch patterns into the panels, crafting depth and texture reminiscent of nature. This technique allows for the creation of truly sophisticated designs,” he remarked. The acoustic panels are key in achieving this balance.

Additionally, Bar Shrimp boasts a custom MasterSounds Clarity M-1215 Audio system, a modular speaker setup that ensures pristine sound quality throughout the venue, enriching the auditory experience for patrons, supported by thoughtful acoustic treatment.

Acoustic panels seamlessly integrated into Bar Shrimp's stylish restaurant decor.
The panels were chosen to blend with the rest of the restaurant’s interior.

A Harmonious Experience

Cossins noted the unnoticed yet vital role of acoustics in enhancing the guest experience. “The ability to enjoy both the music and conversation without strain adds immeasurable value,” he commented, referring to the effort that went into creating a cozy yet lively atmosphere, largely thanks to these panels.

The venture is part of a long-standing collaboration between Cossins and Autex Acoustics, with previous projects including the interior design of Higher Ground, Bar Shrimp’s adjacent sister restaurant.

For further exploration of spaces that blend history and modernity, see Bar Blondie’s transformation into a mid-century gem for wine enthusiasts.

A Legacy of Innovation

Founded in 1967, Autex Acoustics has been a pioneer in creating sound-dampening solutions for diverse environments, including the pivotal installation of acoustic panels at Bar Shrimp. This legacy was showcased at the LA Design Festival with a forest-inspired installation in downtown Los Angeles.

Source: dezeen.com

Frequently asked questions

What design elements does Bar Shrimp feature?

Bar Shrimp features deep red velvet interiors and cutting-edge acoustic solutions. These elements are inspired by the grandeur of vintage New York music lounges.

How does Bar Shrimp manage its acoustics?

Bar Shrimp manages its acoustics with sound-dampening panels and a bespoke Frontier Axis ceiling system and Mirage wall panels from Autex Acoustics. These features are designed to decrease reverberation while maintaining visual appeal.

What unique audio system does Bar Shrimp use?

Bar Shrimp uses a custom MasterSounds Clarity M-1215 Audio system. This modular speaker setup ensures pristine sound quality throughout the venue.