31/07/18. Spotlight Barnes. Tucked into a bend on the River Thames, Barnes is an affluent residential area with a village atmosphere. Historic pubs, smart boutiques and upscale restaurants dot the area around its duck pond and green, home to an annual summer fair. Barnes Common and the London Wetland Centre's bird-rich lakes and gardens attract strolling families and wildlife enthusiasts, while joggers and walkers hit the riverside Thames Path. The historic Olympic Studios, Church Road. The building has been a fixture of the area since 1906 when it was known as Byfield Hall. In the early years, it was used as a theatre & later a cinema. In the '60's, it became a recording studio & was frequented by some of the most famous faces in the industry with The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix & Madonna to name but a few whom have recorded there. The venue reopened just under five years ago as a two-screen cinema (screen one-130 seats-photographed & screen two-73 seats) with additional cafe/ dining room & private member's club (photographed). The project is extending with a a record shop opening across the street next week operated by Olympic Studios' Archivist Roger Miles. There are also plans to bring back a recording studio within the venue on the rooftop. In the member's club, pictured are Nicholas Biazoti Di Santo Jr, Floor Supervisor (navy shirt, beard), Ben Payne, Front of House (white shirt/apron) & Maria Christina Bologna, Barista. ? Daniel Lynch / Evening Standard / eyevine