Bar Shrimp uses laser-etched acoustic panels to balance music and conversation

Cocktail bar and restaurant Bar Shrimp combines red velvet interiors with bespoke acoustic panels from Autex Acoustics to balance music and conversation, shown in this video produced by Dezeen.

Located in Manchester, Bar Shrimp has a custom sound system and a dark interior with floor-to-ceiling red velvet curtains and plush banquettes, reminiscent of vintage New York bars and music lounges.

The design was informed by the founders' experience of bars around the world, where co-founder Richard Cossins said they were struck by ones with particularly good sound.

"When we first saw the space, we wanted to create a relaxed and comfortable environment, where guests could spend numerous hours within the space," Cossins told Dezeen.

The existing space had a concrete floor and glass walls, prompting the team to introduce softer materials to improve the acoustics.

Autex Acoustics worked with the team from an early stage, supplying a bespoke Frontier Axis ceiling system and Mirage wall panels to reduce reverberation and echo.

The acoustic treatment was designed to complement the interior rather than disappear into it, with laser-etched patterns giving the Mirage panels a textured finish inspired by natural materials.

"We're looking at it from a technical perspective, but also from an aesthetic perspective," said Autex Acoustics UK, EU and the Middle East director Daniel Senior.

"We laser etch a pattern into a panel," he continued. "That allows us to create some really intricate designs, to create real depth and texture to a panel, all taking inspiration from natural materials."

Bar Shrimp also features a custom Clarity M1215 Audio system – a large-format modular speaker system designed to provide high-quality sound throughout the space.

Cossins said the acoustic treatment was intended to make the bar comfortable even when music is playing at a high volume.

"It's an aspect of the guest experience that doesn't necessarily get noticed, but when you walk into a space and you don't have to shout and you can hear your guests and your dining companions with real clarity, I think it goes a long way," he said.

The project continues a six-year-long collaboration between Cossins and Autex Acoustics, who also worked together to design the interiors of the Higher Ground natural wine bar, located next door to Bar Shrimp.

Founded in 1967, Autex Acoustics produces sound-dampening products for offices and mixed-use interiors.

In 2025, the brand created a forest-like installation using its signature acoustic material at LA Design Festival in downtown Los Angeles.

Partnership content

This video was produced by Dezeen as part of a partnership with Autex Acoustics. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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