Lock Keeper, Chester gets a new look
10/04/2012
CAMRA recently reported that around 16 pubs are closing in Britain every week resulting in devastating consequences for local communities. Some pub companies however still continue to invest in their sites and Birchwood Park architectural and interior design practice, DV8 Designs, were recently appointed by Trust Inns to undertake an extensive refurbishment of their Lock Keeper bar in Chester.
Formerly the Frog & Nightingale, the bar was in need of a total makeover. With its canal side location, the bar now boasts one of the largest outdoor seating areas in Chester city centre, which includes a raised deck area that offers great views of the canal, perfect for a summer’s day.
Internally the bar has been transformed into a welcoming environment for all types of clientele. As part of the brief from Trust Inns, DV8 Designs were asked to provide a scheme that reflected the standard of food available and now one can find an extensive eating area along with comfortable seating and booths. The style is very much traditional with a focus on modern furnishings. The artwork shows images of Chester in days gone by and complements the style very well.
Lee Birchall, managing director of DV8 Designs says “We are really pleased with the results. We were commissioned by Trust Inns to create a warm and welcoming bar and restaurant and we feel we have achieved this both on time and in budget. The outside seating area is a great success and now offers a great place for people to sit during the summertime.”
DV8 Designs are an architectural and interior design practice based in Cheshire, and has extensive experience in working within the pub and leisure industry. They have been commissioned by many of the key players in the pub industry and have a strong reputation for the dynamic schemes that they produce. Their experience ensures that they understand what the client wants and reflects the best use of space.
Lyn Perry of Trust Inns says “The refurbishment that has been completed, is a great success. Lee understood the brief fantastically and has delivered a great scheme. The bar now looks warm and welcoming and we won’t hesitate in working with Lee and DV8 Designs in the future.”
This recent project is another addition to the already extensive portfolio of DV8 Designs. Having worked on just about any type of building from small scale residential schemes to leisure facilities with a project value of some £6m, DV8 Designs are well on the way to becoming a key player. Their fantastic team enables the practice to produce schemes that focus on the clients’ needs and expectations that will look good now and for years to come.
To view the full DV8 Designs portfolio go to www.dv8-designs.co.uk. If you would like to speak to a member of the team then they can be contacted on 01925 850288.
