A design company has transformed a popular Newcastle pub in a 200,000 refurbishment project. Portland Design has created Moot after leading an internal and external revamp of the Stout Fiddler on the city's New Bridge Street - changing it from a traditional Irish drinking house to what designers describe as a `contemporary take on a British pub'.
Working on behalf of Punch Taverns - the owners of the pub - Jesmond-based Portland Design has transformed the rustic watering hole into a fashionable two-storey pub which will appeal to office workers by day and students and revellers heading into the city in the evening.
The flocked wall coverings, acid-etched glass features and glass chandeliers all bear marks of opulence while the wooden blinds, leather chairs and mirrors create a retro feel. The presence of a roaring fire and wooden blinds retains the cosy British pub environment.
The basement of the pub - once renowned for its great live music - has remained but in a more seductive, sophisticated manner.
The space is enhanced by deep purple and brown furnishings, a silver Art Deco tiled bar counter with crystal pendants setting a regal tone.
Lee Barter, designer at Portland Design, said: "The pub was underused as `The Stout Fiddler' and it was our job to make it more of a destination venue. We worked with the fabric of the building, using traditional elements and mixing them with modern and retro fixtures and fittings.
"
Moot - which means a `hypothetical debate between law students' - was named in a public text competition and pays tribute to Northumbria University's new Law, Design and Business School, which is opposite.
The pub - which is open for food throughout the day and is marketing itself as an `Electro House and live music venue' - has enjoyed great success since it opened at the end of November last year.
Landlord Tim Gilbert said: "I am thrilled with the results.
Portland was given total creative control and the designers have really inspired me with their designs, the feedback from the customers has been brilliant."
Portland Design was set up more than 14 years ago and since then has acquired a broad client base which includes Scottish and Newcastle Pub Enterprises, Punch Taverns and Peel Hotels as well as private entrepreneurs and other organisations.
The company operates as part of Newcastle-based architects Browne Smith Baker.
News RSS