Country pub & hotel for J.W. Lees
Totally re-invented, re-designed and refurbished to stunning effect as a country pub and hotel with a classic yet contemporary feel, The Bluebird Inn has opened following a project which the client described as ‘the best refurbishment he has experienced’.
THE BRIEF
Formerly the Boddingtons Arms, The Bluebird Inn is named after the jet-powered hydroplane used by Donald Campbell in a world record attempt in 1967.
The site is a new acquisition by brewers J.W. Lees, in keeping with their ambition to acquire more pubs with accommodation.
The pub was fully stripped out and structural alterations undertaken to open up the space, particularly in the original road-facing section of the building, which was formerly a row of cottages. This was necessary as the interior previously comprised of a series of small, awkward spaces which did not lend themselves to eating and drinking areas.
The project also included the refurbishment of the inn’s 20 bed hotel.
DESIGN
Key highlights of the interior design are the steel and glass screens -some with oak and tile bases; the traditional bar servery; oak panelled dado boarding; tile and timber trellis flooring; live planting, and numerous artworks themed on Donald Campbell and the Bluebird K7, as well as the local area and J.W.Lees. The overall colour palette is in light and neutral shades with dark contrasting areas. External features include the new garden seating area with a glazed roofed oak pergola.
