A premier league bar for a Premier League club – Fulham plans approved

By Hannah Neary, Local Democracy Reporter

Fulham’s plans for a new rooftop bar have been approved following the club’s promotion to the Premier League.

A private members club, a swanky restaurant and space for weddings on top of the new Riverside stand have been given the go-ahead.

Fulham will be returning to the Premier League after a 3-0 win over Preston North End on Tuesday night.

The new Riverside set-up will offer sweeping views of the Thames as the club hopes to attract a wide range of fans, local residents and families to the site.

Hammersmith and Fulham council has come to an agreement with the club on how the new stand will be used on non-match days.

The plans include a function room in the basement, bar, café and gym on the ground floor, a plush restaurant on the first floor, and space for weddings, conferences and events on the second floor.

A mechanical roof and retractable fabric screens will also be added for protection from bad weather.

There will also be a health club stretching from the first to fifth floors and a members’ club on the third, fourth and fifth floors.

A planning report said: “The new members club at Fulham Football Club will incorporate a range of dining, lounge, bar and work spaces set over the top three floors of the new Riverside Stand, offering an unrivalled experience.

“The overall design brief for the club has been to create an impeccably stylish space that is comfortable and relaxing.

“The interior design is a traditional one, reflecting traditional features of family homes, rather than contemporary football stadia.

“All spaces have been designed to maintain wide views over the river.”

Fulham was previously given planning permission to build a hotel, bar and lounge above the new stand.

“But the project was rehashed after the coronavirus pandemic revealed using the upper floors for events only would not be a stable moneymaker.

The club is also planning a revamp of its home team dressing and shower rooms following its promotion.

The changing rooms at the Craven Cottage Pavilion are outdated and can only house 18 players – but the club needs space for at least 20 to comply with Premier League regulations.

Hammersmith and Fulham council is expected to make a decision on the refurbishment around June.

Pictured top: Plans for the new bar