Gallery: Interior design - the foundation of a successful modern pub

It’s taken me 10 years to fully comprehend just how significant good design can be in the long-term success of a pub. Like many, I have learned the lesson the hard way and when I embarked on a career in the pub sector, design was barely considered. It was certainly nothing we wanted to ‘waste’ money on. How wrong I was.

Today, when we look at refurbishing or relaunching a pub, design is at the very top of the list. It is discussed and altered regularly throughout the project, and last-minute tweaks can make all the difference to the end result.

A great design partner is essential. I truly believe you need a designer who understands the ethos and culture of your business so it is properly represented in the statement you want to make. Without this, it is too easy to end up with a lukewarm end result, which, when you stand back and really consider it, doesn’t convey the passion, innovation and creativity you want your customers to feel when they visit your pub.

We have worked with the same designer since 2009. She has an unparalleled flair for design and stays abreast of food and eating trends and builds these into the design work she undertakes for us.

She spots the little things and provides that attention to detail that makes all the difference. Above all, there is real trust in our relationship now. We allow her to make decisions that are right for each particular pub project, even when they look strange to me.

The “authentic pub experience” is something we always aim to create. We feel it is important to avoid a cookie-cutter approach to design and that each pub should have its own individual character. We aim to give each space a focal point, be it a fireplace, a feature booth, bespoke lighting or perhaps a great view to the outside area. Each space can give the customer a different experience each time they visit.

For us, good design is not about picking some quirky lighting fittings or specifying some uber-cool furniture. When you can’t quite put your finger on a specific reason why you like a space but it “just feels right”, it indicates the design or architectural elements have been considered properly in the context of the environment.

Good design is about creating a great place to be, which is what the authentic pub experience is all about. Get this right and customers will reward you with their loyalty time and time again.