Mercury Rooftop Bars – Multi-Phase Structural & Fit-Out Works
Westmasters has been responsible for the full evolution of the rooftop venue at Mercury House, Waterloo – from the original Bar Elba build in 2017, through multiple extensions in 2018–2019, to the most recent full refurbishment and rebrand as Circe’s in 2024.
Our long-term involvement included the initial construction of a 500 sqm rooftop bar built on top of the existing steel-framed building. The floor structure was formed with timber joists and finished with external decking, while the bar building itself was constructed from timber stud walls with brick-slip cladding. Westmasters also designed and manufactured bespoke metal handrails and produced the first phase of custom timber furniture.
In 2018 and 2019, we returned to deliver two further extensions, expanding the rooftop venue by approximately 100 sqm in each phase. These works included adjustments to the roof structure, additional decking areas, and upgrades to drainage and access.
In 2024, the venue underwent a major transformation as part of the Circe’s rebrand. Westmasters carried out a full refurbishment, including complete decking replacement with a new diagonal layout, drainage upgrades, box gutter installation, polycarbonate roof replacement, new wall panelling, stainless steel worktops, and entirely new timber furniture and seating solutions.
Throughout all phases, the works required careful planning, exceptional coordination, and strict logistical control due to the limited access to the fourth-floor roof and the building’s fully occupied lower levels.
Our works included:
- Construction of the original 500 sqm rooftop bar (Bar Elba)
- Timber floor structure with external decking
- Timber stud bar building with brick-slip cladding
- Design and fabrication of bespoke metal handrails
- Manufacture of custom timber furniture
- 2018 & 2019 extensions adding ~100 sqm each
- Decking and roofing adjustments during extension phases
- Full 2024 refurbishment and rebrand to Circe’s
- Diagonal decking replacement and drainage upgrades
- Replacement of polycarbonate roofing
- Installation of new wall panels and stainless-steel worktops
- New timber seating, benches, and furniture
- Full access, delivery, and logistics planning for a fourth-floor, restricted-access site
The works presented significant logistical challenges due to restricted access through a single rear staircase and the building remaining fully occupied throughout. Careful planning and noise management were essential to maintain progress and minimise disruption.
