Harkin Walker were appointed by the Covered Wagon to redesign their popular desi restaurant near Moseley. The brief was to create a wow factor, increase the number of covers and zone different areas for dining, drinking and meeting. The existing restaurant was bland, uninviting and desperately needed a refresh.
Space planning was key in order to maximise covers and we utilised unused spaces around the bar with fixed seating, plus removing sections of false walls to allow for more tables. We added in various sections of fixed seating to break up the space and add softer, more comfortable seating areas. It was also essential that the circulation space was not compromised as this is a very busy restaurant. The layout has been vastly improved with better use of space whilst increasing the number of covers by around 30 people.
The finishes were layered with different textures, colours and patterns to create a vibrant mix reflective of Indian culture and fashion. From soft velvets in the formal restaurant area to linen prints and leathers in the casual dining and bar, each area was made to feel different to create the zoning of each space. We also improved the artwork and lighting to create more interest and atmosphere. Some of the finer details included fringed pendants, fret-cut screens, rustic timber wall panelling and textured wallpapers which are highlighted with LED strip lighting, further adding to the ambience. The use of traditional patterns, motifs and intricate designs are incorporated into the décor adding to the overall aesthetic.
The end result is a stunning transformation which was delivered within an ambitious programme. The refurbishment has created an amazing venue suited to all from drinks and snacks through to special celebrations. Four months post refurbishment the Covered Wagon won Best Pub in the Midlands!
About Harkin Walker
Harkin Walker is an Interior Design consultancy specialising in leisure and hospitality projects. Established in 2015 by Kathleen Walker, who has extensive professional ability and experience in the industry, we offer a full Interior Design service from inception through to completion. We pride ourselves on our friendly, professional approach to each project we undertake and building strong relationships with our clients so that we really understand and translate their vision. Our passion is to create beautiful and inspiring environments that enhance the customer experience and provide a venue for our clients to be proud of. We also understand and implement operational and statutory requirements so that we deliver a fully operational, compliant business.
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In Italian, al fresco literally means ‘in the cold,’ but in English, it is used to mean ‘outside’ or ‘in the open’. In its native Italian, al fresco also means ‘in prison’. If you tell an Italian waiter that you’d like to dine al fresco, you may get a funny look! The UK now has a thriving outdoor, al fresco dining culture, and al fresco dining spaces are a common sight in many city centres and towns. This is, in part, a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Outdoor dining has gone from necessary to the norm.
If you have an existing external area within your site, then good news! You’re already halfway there. However, when planning the development of this land, it is necessary to know what you can do without the need for local authority permissions and what will need to go through the planning process. Simple works such as changing of floor finishes, erecting fences and screens (as long as they’re below 1m in height) and the laying out of loose furniture is usually allowable without going through the planning process, however, if your intent is to erect “permanent” fixed structures such as pergolas, fixed seating runs and occasional use outdoor/indoor rooms then seeking local authority planning approval is a necessity, unless you’re willing to risk the wrath of the council, something we never recommend.
If your site is listed or lies within a conservation area, then seeking planning authority and conservation officer approval is vital, as the risk of expensive fines is a headache any hospitality operator should want to avoid.
If you do not have your own external area within the curtilage of your site, you might wish to place furniture on the pavement areas surrounding your building. In this case you will be required to apply for a pavement licence to place tables, chairs, and other furniture on local authority owned land. Rules and regulations can vary from region to region, so you will need to check whether you need to apply for a licence before you get started. You may face restrictions on how big the furniture can be. The furniture you use is required to be removable, not be a fixed structure, and be able to be stored away in the evening. You will also have to leave an amount of pavement space free for pedestrian traffic, and clearly mark the borders of your outdoor seating area. When applying, you’ll need to supply a site plan and a public liability insurance certificate. You may be subject to fines if you fail to meet the requirement or fail to pay the licence fee. If your customers want to eat outdoors, they are likely to want to drink outdoors, too. If you’re planning to start selling alcohol at your restaurant, make sure you’ve got the appropriate licences to do so.
If you decide to add an al fresco dining space to your bar or restaurant, make sure to follow these top tips for making your outdoor area a lovely place to lounge:
It’s always important to have a well thought out floor plan that allows for efficient service and optimal guest satisfaction. With dining having evolved over the years into an al fresco experience, it is now more important than ever to be able to provide this offering as a restaurant, bar, or café owner. Including awnings or outdoor rooms allow you to expand your space and provide the same great dining experience in the open air.
Whilst this expands the number of customers that you can cater for and your revenue, you want to ensure the experience outside is just as good as it is inside. Awnings and canopies allow you to protect customers from the weather and feel comfortable whilst dining outside, however it’s no good increasing the number of covers to your venue if the quality of your service starts to fall. When developing your external area, you must also consider whether your existing service areas (catering kitchen, bar serveries, WC`s etc) and staff numbers are able to cope with the increase in customer footfall.
Not only can awnings and pergolas be used for the day to day running of your establishment, but they are also a great addition to create a feature area for outdoor functions and events to generate additional revenue for the business. An awning is also a great solution to provide a sheltered, comfortable smoking area whilst allowing non-smoking customers to be outside or inside too.
If you need any assistance on designing you al fresco dining experience, do not hesitate to get in touch with MGI. We have a vast portfolio of case studies displaying our experiencing in designing successful outdoor spaces for your establishment.
About MGI Partners
MGI Partners are an award-winning Interior design practice with decades of experience within the hospitality and commercial sectors. Our talented team have honed their skills and specialist industry knowledge to provide beautiful, commercially viable design solutions that meet our client`s specific brief and can be delivered no matter how challenging the project or budget spend is. We always put our clients first and love to work in close collaboration, to guide them through the design and construction processes to ensure we create spaces that their customers will love and want to return to again and again. With a range of services including surveying, site analysis, interior design, Visualisation, Statutory applications, branding and project management we tailor our offer to meet each client`s specific requirements.
Looking back at sofa.com’s favourite projects of 2023, it’s clear that boutique hotels are no longer simple nor quaint. We’ve worked with designers who are looking to bring the boutique hotel into modernity, and this starts with a reconsideration of what it is that makes a hotel welcoming, and how hotels can keep comfort and function as a top priority yet experiment more with colour and personality, creating a home away from home for guests.
One of the largest projects our dedicated trade team have worked on has been to furnish 9 bedrooms in a new luxury hotel in Ibiza. Perfectly pitched between boutique and mid-sized, Pikes is a project which showcases personality, textural interest and great use of materials. An infusion of colour with beautifully bright upholstered beds and complementary artwork creates an ambient and welcoming environment. Lucinda Swayne, interior designer on the project, comments, “During the renovation, it was vital that the quirky elements were retained to preserve the identity of the hotel. Within the redesign we have created eclectic comfortable rooms with a unique feel, coupled with micro-attention to functionality, so that guests will never want to leave”.
This focus on functionality comes down to vital design choices: bed size and placement, extra surfaces and storage, and lighting decisions.
A perfectly placed bed should leave ample space on each side, ideally enough for the essential bedside table. While beds are ideally placed centrally within the room, this can be a struggle within smaller spaces, when it comes to allow for storage on both sides. Working with designers at Rendall & Wright on a project in Norfolk, our nifty solution was to incorporate a storage ottoman at the foot of the bed, providing both a place to perch and somewhere to stow away personal effects.
Comfort is paramount, with almost all the designers we work with opting for king size beds, as the ultimate requirement for a great overnight stay, is comfort. The main goal is to ensure each guest has the best night’s sleep. Returning customers is the greatest compliment a hotel can receive, and the comfort levels will heavily influence the reputation of a great hotel.
Lucinda comments that a bedroom should be “a comforting space that provides guests with somewhere they never want to leave. Top of the list is by far a comfortable and statement bed.” For the ultimate in indulgence, beds with velvet headboards are a winner – not only do they look luxurious, but they are also beautifully soft and tactile.
Once comfort levels have been established, lighting is the next crucial element, and should be one of the first things considered. Where is the bed going to be placed? You’ll need bedside lamps or wall lights on a separate circuit to allow for adjustable light levels, and true comfort means not leaving your bed to turn off a light switch. Although inherently practical, lighting is another aspect of the room design that can be a vehicle for introducing colour or pattern.
Very much dispelling the reputation of being twee, it’s clear that smaller hotels are going through somewhat of a design shift. A well thought through and exquisitely executed delivery on all the non-negotiables of a dream hotel stay promises a luxurious escape form day-to-day life.
About sofa.com
Passionate about outstanding interiors, sofa.com offers a diverse and design led collection of made-to-order sofas, armchairs, beds, footstools and home accessories. With an extensive range of styles and over 100 fabrics to choose from, as well as the option to upholster in your own fabric, the customisable nature of sofa.com’s products make each piece easily adaptable to any interior style – perfect for interior designers and specifiers looking for stand-out pieces for upcoming projects. sofa.com have been delivering expert project solutions for over 10 years and have experience in a variety of sectors in hospitality, residential and commercial disciplines. With a sofa.com trade account, you can enjoy benefits such as industry leading delivery times, bespoke products, furniture packages, a sampling service and a competitive tiered discount structure.
Successful spacing through interior design is achieved by the interior designer being involved in choreographing the sequence of a space. By doing this, it ensures that a project reflects a single design approach by a fluent design being fathomed by the architect and designer together. It is essential for all parties involved to understand the relationship between all rooms, plans and the cross section of the building.
Within hospitality design there is a vast number of aspects an Interior Designer should consider, such as, adjacencies (within design, this refers to the connection between two spaces or elements. The term can be used to describe both physical and visual relationships. In a physical sense, adjacencies are determined by how easily one can move from one space to another), catering layout, lighting, acoustics, and furniture to name a few.
As Designers, we ensure that we are familiar with each of these aspects, especially within spatial planning and dimensional criteria for seating layouts. The key to understanding and designing an all-encompassing, fluent, and functional space is to understand a venue’s core concepts. This concept often comes from our team working closely with the client to establish a clear and cohesive experience for the desired customer.
Something as simple as spacing between tables can go a long way to creating an atmosphere within a venue. Restaurants and bars that offer a full dining experience often provide ample space between tables for a more relaxed atmosphere. While a site such as a fast-food restaurant or coffee chain maximise the number of their tables, and therefore customers, to create a bustling, high tempo environment.
Use of different finishes and materials helps to define individual spaces within a venue, hard finishes are more suitable to busy bar venues where materials need to endure the vigour of nightlife trade, whereas softer finishes lend them-selves better to intimate dining situations or more laid-back relaxed drinking venues such as high-end cocktail bars. When it comes to specifying internal finishes, our wealth of experience ensures that all finishes are chosen to satisfy the individual requirements of each project and client. It is of the upmost importance that the highest quality finishes are specified within budget.
Whilst ensuring that materials and finishes are aesthetically appealing, it is of equal importance that the material an Interior Designer chooses must be appropriate for its use. Care must be taken to ensure that the material is correctly Fire Rated, as economically and ecologically friendly as possible and high-traffic areas must have finishes that are more durable to last the test of time. Floor finishes must have appropriate slip ratings for their designated use and the visual contrast between finishes on walls and ceilings must be considered to enable the visually impaired can perceive potential hazards within a space.
Another aspect a designer must take into consideration is the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of specific materials once a project is handed back to the client. It is the responsibility of the interior designer to pick finishes that are easy for the client to clean and maintain, therefore ensuring they get the best value for money and a high standard of finish is maintained throughout the years.
Lighting plays a huge part in creating an atmosphere within a venue and can be cleverly utilised to define spaces or zones within an otherwise open area. Low-level mood lighting can create a fine-dining experience. Whereas brighter and whiter lights a more casual energy. Considering today’s cost of living crisis, venue owners also need to consider the energy efficiency of the lighting specified. It is often favourable for interior designers to specify warm lighting within trade areas, fluorescent flighting is more cost and energy efficient. Therefore, this could be a valuable consideration for back of house and catering areas.
The acoustics in a hospitality venue go together with the concept and desired atmosphere created and in hybrid spaces it may be necessary to define zones with different acoustic qualities. Bar areas can be noisier and livelier whilst dining area may need to be quieter to allow for ease of conversation between diners.
Hard surfaces such as ceramics, wooden tabletops and cold metal finishes can create reverberations throughout a space. To counter this a competent designer may consider the specification of sound absorptive materials such as carpets, soft furnishings, and soft wall panelling, or specialist acoustic solutions such as suspended ceilings or wall panels utilising mineral fibre board wrapped in acoustically transparent fabrics, perforated ply, or timber slats.
Another solution on how to control a space’s acoustics is by separating out sections through screen or stud walls. Through careful consideration of spatial planning this way, diverse types of rooms with different noise levels can invented to accommodate various patrons.
– Work with what you have got! Time & money can be saved planning around current features of a building whilst preserving a space’s original features. – Do not forget about storage and back-of house! Your trade areas may look amazing but are useless if your venue cannot function efficiently. Therefore, when planning out your spaces, ensure you leave enough room in none trade areas too! – Be Flexible! In smaller venues and spaces, do they need to be adaptable for more than one purpose? If this is the case, loose seating, moveable furniture, and adjustable lighting levels are all successful considerations in creating different atmosphere within the same space. – Prioritise! Sometimes, however hard we try, everything desired cannot be achieved within the designated space. MGI ensure that they work closely with their clients to understand what is most important for them to have the most efficiently designed, attractive and successful space.
Designing a luxury hotel in one of the most vibrant metropolises means creating functional environments with a refined design, finding solutions capable of ensuring guests the best conditions of comfort, with a focus on sustainability.
It is with these premises in mind that for the Nobu Hotel Shoreditch, in London, the modular flooring Frammenti was chosen, made of oak from well-managed and responsible forests.
Thanks to its extraordinary versatility, Frammenti is the perfect solution for every type of environment. The geometric design of the modular floor, which makes it resemble an abstract, contemporary mosaic, is reminiscent of the creative flow and dynamism of the metropolis.
The customised finish was realised by Foglie d’Oro to indulge the creative intuition of the designer and contribute to building the aesthetic identity of the spaces of a luxury hotel, whose attention to detail is one of its most distinctive aspects.
The ability to create customised floors, starting from the designer’s drawing and the client’s needs, is one of the reasons why Foglie d’Oro is chosen by architects and interior designers all over the world.
Would you like to choose a Foglie d’Oro floor or realise your own customised solution in both finish and format? Discover more here.
About Foglie d’Oro
Foglie d’Oro is Europe’s leading manufacturer of sophisticated design wood floors, XL wide planks, and American walnut floors. Based in Italy, the company has been chosen by A&D to work on turnkey projects for over 50 years, developing a reputation for excellence all around the world.
Award-winning commercial designers, MGI offer their expert insights for designing hospitality spaces and discuss the importance of carving a niche!
When initially contemplating a new hospitality investment (be it a pub, restaurant, hotel or other) it is important to have a clear idea of your vision and where you intend to position the business within the market place. It can be tempting for investors and designers alike to cast their eye across existing businesses in order to gauge what is currently popular and successful and attempt to carve out a piece of that success, however this can be a double edged sword.
Whilst it could be considered a “safer bet” to take cues from current trends when considering your business’s offer (after all, if it ain’t broke, why fix it) this does not necessarily translate into success. It’s important to take into consideration that trends come and go, every “next big thing” only has a limited shelf life before the next thing rounds the bend, and hospitality is, at its core, a challenging industry where success can be gained or lost on the smallest of things. It is known that 60% of new hospitality businesses do not last past the first year and 80% go under within 5 years. For this reason a strong USP (unique selling point) and a firm focus on offer, service and design are key to help ensure that your business is not one of that 60%.
A new business that has many similarities to existing competitors may find it difficult to gain a foothold in the market as their success relies on poaching customers from the more established venues. In this instance the quality of product and service is key. When your drinks and food offers are, for the most part, comparable to your competitors, it is the manner in which your product is delivered to the customer that differentiates you from the competition. Are your staff well presented? Have they been properly trained in bar operations and customer service? Are cleaning and maintenance levels to a high standard? Is your menu well designed and your product (food/drink) well presented when delivered to the customer? All these elements and many more beside will affect whether your business thrives or flounders.
The same thought process can be applied to the design of your venue. Whether intentionally or via a form of mental osmosis, clients and designers are inevitably inspired by what came before. Rarely can a design be thought of as truly original, there are always elements drawn from other sources, albeit applied to a site in a different way, and the hospitality sector follows design trends as much as any other.
For the designers at MGI it is equally important that one eye be kept on what is happening within the hospitality industry and developing trends as it is to draw inspiration from other sectors and sources to ensure that we are able to deliver upon our client’s brief whilst steering our designs, and the client’s vision, toward new ground in order to ensure each completed venue can easily be differentiated from its competitors.
If you’d like to learn how MGI can assist you in every step of the development of your project, please get in touch.
MGI Partners are an award-winning Interior design practice with decades of experience within the hospitality and commercial sectors. Our talented team have honed their skills and specialist industry knowledge to provide beautiful, commercially viable design solutions that meet our client`s specific brief and can be delivered no matter how challenging the project or budget spend is.
Rachel McLane Ltd has given a stunning new contemporary look and environmental focus to the interior design of the restaurant at The Hertsmere, Elstree, called Script: Restaurant and Bar. The full-scale refurbishment forms part of The Hertsmere’s ambitious plans to progressively become the home of family golf in Hertfordshire and North-West London.
A challenging, picturesque 18-hole golf course in the middle of the Hertfordshire countryside, The Hertsmere has recently installed a new high-tech, state-of-the-art 26-bay golf driving range, and opened a golf academy which is ground-breaking in its approach focused on customer outcomes. Built about ten years ago, the clubhouse provides facilities to serve food and drink in a restaurant setting which can also be used by golfers and for public gatherings. Award-winning interior design consultancy Rachel McLane Ltd started work on the interior design concepts behind the new-look restaurant about 18 months ago.
“One of the main things that stood out to us about The Hertsmere was the setting of the course and clubhouse, which are amazing and exceptionally beautiful; the course and the driving range have real character and are of a high quality, which we wanted to capture and reflect in our designs. The clubhouse is quite literally that, a place for everyone to meet and socialise and talk over their game with friends, families and children. We wanted to add a bit of a ‘wow’ factor to help match the very high standards of the rest of The Hertsmere.”
Stuart Ritchie, the business’s director, said: “The Hertsmere is a leisure business which owns a golf course, an award winning driving range and now an amazing restaurant which has been separately branded Script: Restaurant and Bar. We wanted to create our own narrative with our ‘fresh approach to golf’ and to give everyone the opportunity to get involved with golf and enjoy our facilities, hence our standalone restaurant in the centre of the facility.”
“Our restaurant is key to this and we wanted it to be welcoming, accessible and appealing as well as reflecting our high standards and the importance we attach to our surroundings. Rachel McLane Ltd has created a stunning space where I hope people will enjoy spending time, be that for a bite to eat after a game of golf, or as a get together of family and friends for a meal. We felt that ‘Script: Restaurant and Bar’ was the perfect name for the restaurant as it combines the idea of us setting our daily changing menu of locally sourced ingredients – which, just like a fantastic script, provides the foundations for an outstanding experience. We are looking forward to welcoming customers to enjoy the new stylish design, stunning views and great menu.”
North Yorkshire-based Rachel and her team of interior designers have created a concept that draws on the importance of landscape, countryside and environmental sustainability, without detracting from the view of the course. “The Hertsmere has a vision to help make golf more sustainable, minimising waste, the use of water, chemicals and fertilisers, and to develop an environment that has a positive impact on local wildlife and supports the wellbeing of its community.”
“The course has a network of public footpaths and trails across its 160 acres. We felt there needed to be a real sense of how rural and parklike The Hertsmere is and to reference environmental and sustainability aspects in the designs – not just in the design look, but also in the materials we used. Whilst the new look of the interior is one that has been very carefully considered with contemporary lighting and seating, we didn’t want it to overpower the positive details of the building, including the views out over the golf course.”
A dominating sloped timber ceiling has now been painted over and a flattened bulkhead area created on the ceiling helps to break up the room into zones. A custom bespoke tree-like structure forms a new centrepiece to the room and is constructed from solid oak, and littered with random lights to break up the mass of ceiling.
An innovative, subtle tiered effect seating system has created booths on a raised deck at the rear where people can look across the curved dining booths by the central tree-form which in turn looks over the lower sofa-type seating at the front window. This was all done to ensure uninterrupted views of the course. A mix of timber seating and upholstered booths separated by fret-cut screens break up the room further to create the sense of different areas within one larger space. The fret-cut detailing is also applied to the glazing using The Hertsmere logo, which must be one of the best now in use in the world of golf. The colour palette is one of subtle tones with punches of colour based on The Hertsmere’s branding.
About Rachel McLane Limited
Rachel McLane Ltd offers a full design service that interprets a client’s brief and delivers their project on time, on budget, and as envisaged. Every client and every project is different, so how we get there is entirely up to the client. Not every project requires internal spaces reconfiguring; not every client has an architect or project manager. However, as a general rule, their project process offers: Feasibility Study – narrowing down your options; Concept Design – sketched visuals of how your space might look; Design Detailing – producing drawings & plans for trades; Purchasing – new, bespoke or repurposed; Fit-Out.
The site of a former sunbed shop with residential accommodation on the first floor, our brief from the client was to design a space over 2 floors, and incorporating a large courtyard space, with cues taken from biophilic and sustainable design. With this in mind MGI proposed a complete strip out the interior of the site, retaining as many original features as possible, and reimagined it as a high-quality wine bar and bistro offering small plate meals and cocktails to the people of Standish.
Due to the heritage of the building and its location within the conservation area the local authority were keen to not only protect the fabric of the building but also reinstate elements that were more in keeping with its heritage status. The planning consent had numerous conditions regarding the materiality and design of external doors, windows, etc (all designed in hardwood, sliding sash windows to first floor, all to a heritage standard) and the location of extract flue from the commercial kitchen.
Extensive structural works to the existing building were required in order to open the space up and introduce a new mezzanine level providing a link between the ground and first floors and creating an impressive double height space. Furthermore, some existing features such as the timber beams have been retained in order to maintain the heritage of this building. All Finishes and Furniture specified were carefully chosen to create a rustic/ reclaimed feel to the interior of the site with industrial elements introduce through use of exposed steel, scaffold poles and scaffold planking.
In addition, to soften the space, extensive real and faux planting has been used throughout the interior. At the rear courtyard has been extensively remodelled to include an aluminium and glass canopy over a decked veranda, an external bar, stone paved patio, copper panels and laser cut screens to perimeter walls and Festoon lighting.
JMDA have worked with Mitchells & Butlers for years, evolving their Premium Country Pubs brand to new heights and standards. The brand celebrates the traditional country pub whilst giving them a new lease of life by introducing new food offerings, cocktails, and interiors. Director of JMDA Ltd, Jonathon Morgan, said: “As a long-standing client of ours, we are always proud to be involved in the latest evolution for the beloved Mitchells & Butlers brand”.
Completed in April, this project involved full renovation of the pub’s interior, bar, restaurant, casual dining areas and restrooms. The exterior was also given a new lick of paint, signage, landscaping, and furniture. The pub is located in Totteridge, a suburban borough of Barnet, London. As a more affluent area, the interiors were to offer spaces for a range of occasions for its clientele. The Great Hall offers a lighter, airy space for mid-week treats. For the special occasions, guests can reserve a table in The Niche and pop-in for a few at the weekend in The Connoisseur Club.
Designer Alexandra Mason explained: “This project is the latest evolution of our new concept for Premium Country Pubs. The Kings Arms was ‘The Country Club’ edition, providing a more classic approach to our latest concept. The Orange Tree channels the inner-city member’s clubs, a more high-energy approach to our concept”.
This project has an abundance of high-energy features. The front bar is constructed from individual timber leaves painted in a mellow peach tone, offset with bright scalloped bar stools. In The Orangery, back-to-back booths center the room with Versital marbled tabletops and radiant globe lighting. Artwork creates a mythical feel to this room, providing a lighter space for the day trade. Adjacent, The Curator Space features booths within bookcases, screening off smaller groups for a more intimate dining experience. To the far left of the building is the Elevenses. Lined with glistening champagne walls, a tiled fireplace and over-sized seating, this space creates something special for those larger groups looking for a celebration. To the rear of the restaurant is the niche, a covert space to dine and drink. Decorated entirely in a warm pink, with textured wallpaper and curtains to a secret table, the niche is something to talk about.
When customers visit The Orange Tree, they will be enchanted by the colour, atmosphere, and energy of the space. Truly a destination pub for all occasions, The Orange Tree offers something for everyone, whilst providing a taste of the elite.
After creating the concept late last year, JMDA have been excited to deliver the long-awaited second evolution of the Minerva. Alexandra said: “As a completely different feel to the Country Club, we are ecstatic to have delivered this project, showing what JMDA are truly about”.
About Jonathon Morgan Design Associates Limited
JMDA are a multi-award-winning Interior Design studio and Brand Identity creators for Blue Chip clients & Entrepreneurs. Specialising in the hospitality and leisure industries, they provide Interior Design, Architectural, Brand Development, Concept Creation services and are pragmatic visionaries.
Formerly named the Beehive, MGI were asked to reimagine this historic traditional pub situated in the popular Liverpool One area to ensure its continued survival for years to come. The brief was to create a premium high end pub offer with a quality range of beers and an extensive cocktail list. The site was imagined to act as a hybrid offering coffee and patisserie to shoppers through the day before transforming into a vibrant night time venue in the evenings.
The name change was inspired in homage to the Futurist on lime street which had been demolished in recent years and nods to that building’s art deco design and life as a cinema from the 1930’s through to the 1980’s and is reflected in the choices of bric a brac, light fittings and tin tiling utilised throughout the interior. MGI proposed a design that retained and enhanced a number of the original features of the original building such as the bar servery and backfitting, paired with new features and finishes designed and specified to a high level to create a luxurious feel to the site.
The use of Victorian wall tiling, timber panelling and velvet upholstery and drapes, along with the liberal application of black and polished brass creates an inviting yet intimate space that welcomes its guests in a warm embrace. Highly decorative booths were formed to the rear of the site to offer areas of privacy or seclusion to small parties and are expected to be one of the most popular areas of the pub.
Due to the site’s long and narrow footprint, natural lighting was previously an issue to the pub. To combat this MGI proposed the strip out and replacement of the entire ground floor shopfront with new full height glazed bi-fold doors allowing light to flood into the front of the site. Natural light was further brought into the rear of the site through the reinstatement of a previously covered over glazed roof. Despite the use of dark finishes throughout, the site now feels light and airy through the day.
Further structural works were proposed in order to maximise available trade space including opening up beneath the existing staircase and completely stripping out the existing catering kitchen and WC facilities at the rear.
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