Our Creative Director Abi Perry-Jones has contributed to a special report on bar and club interior deign in this month’s Bar Magazine looking at how venues achieve the “wow factor”. We are excited to see our design at The Foresters Arms, Bedford featured (https://barmagazine.co.uk/june-2019/ pg. 65). Abi focuses on the client brief and our approach to creating some great design focal points which are have helped contribute to the success of the venue. Link to the project in our portfolio – . Excerpts below;
Abi Perry-Jones, Creative Director of Jones AD commented,
“Our client asked us to deliver something new that would stand out from the other venues in the local area. We planned a design with a whimsical, forest-like feel, incorporating lots of planting, light fittings in bird cages and an eclectic mix of materials from concrete patterned floor tiles, bold fabrics and upholstery and mismatched furniture.”
Prior to the refurbishment, the bar fitting consisted of typical traditional timber shelving, optics rails and a large overbar for glass storage. The new look includes the complete removal of the overbar, making the back bar central to the design – with a prime location opposite the entrance, the refurbished bar has real wow factor, setting the scene as soon as customers enter.
Abi continues,
“Our design stemmed from the idea that the back bar should really act as the ‘shop window’ for the venue, and so needed to showcase every product to best advantage. We stripped out all of the old shelving to reveal high ceilings, and installed antique brass-framed shelving with timber and forest-green tiles behind. One of the most striking elements of the new look is the metal mesh raft suspended over the bar – we’ve woven in lighting and greenery from faux plants, and it creates an immediate impression on arrival.”
Lighting was a key consideration throughout the project – concealed lighting around the bottles and other bar products gives a subtle glow, and is complemented by quirky, mismatched pendants which hang over the bar at varying heights. The lighting is reflected in the new copper bar top and helps create a warm, stylish atmosphere – copper was chosen as it will develop character and a beautiful patina as it ages over time.
Commenting on the project, Ben How, Pub Marketing Manager at Charles Wells said,
“We’re really delighted with what Abi and her team have delivered. It’s a beautifully decorated space, but it’s clear that all the practicalities have been considered and it works brilliantly from an operational point of view. We’re so proud of our pub and love that it’s made such an impact both with regulars and customers who visit from further afield.”