The Background

 

The Reindeer at Hoveringham is a traditional small village pub. Following the success of their venue in a neighbouring village, private owners purchased the business with a vision to turn it into a high-quality dining destination in the heart of the country. Looking to take advantage of the increase in trade over the festive period, the owners needed to revamp and reopen their doors in just a few weeks – which is where we came in.

 

The Reindeer Pub Upholstered Seating Completed by Contract Furniture Group

 

The Brief

 

The new management team set out to maintain the atmosphere of a traditional village pub for both locals and people making use of the network of surrounding country walks; but they also knew they needed to bring it up-to-date to make it attractive to people travelling longer distances in search if excellent cuisine. This balance would not be a simple one with muddy boots and Michelin Stars not usually easy bedfellows, but we took to the task with Gusto, also factoring in the need to maximise the use of limited space to realise the true potential of this charming inn.

 

The Reindeer Pub fixed and loose seating completed by Contract Furniture Group

 

The Work

 

Working with interior design consultants we first sought to find ways to increase capacity in the dining area while maintaining space for evening drinkers; and without creating a feeling of excessive separation. Light colours were chosen to give the perception of space, using a combination of traditional cheque patterned Moon wool on fixed seating, and ultra trendy Panaz Boucle fabric to reupholster existing Memphis side chairs from our Classics Collection. Classy Sienna table bases supporting rustic reclaimed tabletops met the brief for dual purposes perfectly, and completed the project with panache.

 

The Reindeer Pub Dining Area Completed By Contract Furniture Group

 

The Results

 

Lay out changes led to an increase in dining covers by 30%, while retaining a clearly defined bustling drinking area for locals and ramblers. The use of smaller table tops on single pedestal bases now give the service team more versatility to adjust the set-up dependant on the size and composition bookings. Overall, this project went a long way to prove it is possible to deliver the ideal décor for a warm and inviting village pub, that is still sophisticated enough to suit a complex and interesting modern menu.