Brief to Mc Donnell Design, Interior Designers.
Design a new – licensed premises on the footprint of the old Necarne Arms, Co. Fermanagh which was to be demolished. The client requested a bar, lounge and off sales, all capable of being operated with the minimum of staff where young and old could socialize in comfort.
Solution
It was decided to create a double height space incorporating a mezzanine level within the two storey front section of the building, – which had to maintain the height of the demolished building in order to retain the streetscape character – whilst the rear lounge would be single storey. Applications for planning and building control approval were sought on this basis for the two phases of the scheme.
The design is based on the primary principals of bar design: – a long timber and granite topped bar combined with a tall decorative back bar as the focal point, good vision lines for customers, comfortable seating areas which encourage interaction, a warm palette of colours and fabrics and a lighting scheme to create the right atmosphere.
A bold solid timber patterned floor and large contemporary floor tile around the bar were chosen while the use of medium oak timber panelling combined with a local stone and contemporary wall covering set the warm tones for the bar.
A striking moulded plaster ceiling adds presence to the double height space along with a subtle lighting scheme incorporating LED halo lighting for the ceiling and feature pendant and wall lights throughout. The mezzanine has a more modern feel with the use of a glass and stainless steel balustrade system along with contemporary furniture in bold fabrics.
Success
The bar has appealed to all age groups with it’s contemporary take on the classic bar and has enjoyed a very vibrant trade since it’s reopening, becoming the number 1 bar in the town!
