The unveiling comes after eight months of construction of the “innovative” two-storey restaurant that has capacity for up to 150 seated covers in the village of Crowthorne, Berkshire.
H&W Crowthorne is the gateway building to the residential estate, Buckler’s Park, near to Buckler’s Forest, a 102-hectare Forestry Commission site.
The opening of H&W Crowthorne has generated 30 jobs for the local community. Sian Grantham is the bar and restaurant’s new general manager and brings more than 25 years’ experience in the hospitality industry from brands including Cosy Club and Carluccio’s.
Five spaces
The site has five different multi-functioning spaces for guests to enjoy. These include a dedicated bar, a pantry for brunch and “relaxed dining or drinks”, and a “vibrant dining space with colourful artwork and greenery”.
There is also a library nook for cake and coffee. Outside is an large terrace and garden for drinks and alfresco dining during warmer evenings.
Hall & Woodhouse property director Mark James said: “We are so proud of what we have designed at H&W Crowthorne.
“The entire project has been driven by our passion to build something special, somewhere warm and inviting that reflects the local environment and its heritage but with a contemporary twist.
“We hope all of our new guests feel at home here, and that H&W Crowthorne will be at the very heart of the community.”
Hunting ground for kings
The restaurant’s décor takes inspiration from its surroundings, with nods to both its recent history as a site close to the old Transport Research Laboratory, and its ancient history when the area was used as a hunting ground by the old kings of England.
There are lots of plants, stylistic artwork, colourful soft furnishings and exposed brick walls. The building itself is a steel structure with a mixture of brick and timber panelling to complement the locality.
Hall & Woodhouse said sustainability was a key consideration for the design of the site with solar roof panels now able to generate enough green energy to run the building’s heating system.
The building has LED lighting, a sustainable waste disposal, upcycled materials and furniture, and outdoor bike parking.
