London & South East Premier Hospitality

A new Face; a new place!

+44 (0) 7710 787 708images@adamparker.co.uk- Faces Bar & Kitchen - Chelmsford
Written by Roma Publications

+44 (0) 7710 787 708images@adamparker.co.uk- Faces Bar & Kitchen - Chelmsford

Faces Leisure, successful nightclub operators, have opened their latest offer in Chelmsford following a three month construction project.

Faces Bar & Kitchen in Chelmsford provides an all-day operation for diners and drinker s alike to enjoy at all times of the day and night.

We caught up with Dwight Breley, Director of Breley Design, who acted as the interior design for the scheme to find out more. Dwight commented:

“We have worked with Faces Leisure for 25 years since they opened their first nightclub and have continued to be their interior designer for every project since; it has been a pleasure. The planning and design process for the Chelmsford branch began in February 2014 with a specific brief from clients John Clark and Tony Bee.

“As a brand, Faces are very keen nightclub operators, however they wanted to progress the brand and create an all day operation. So the brief was to create a space where people could go for coffee in the morning, lunch and dinner in the afternoon and evening, as well as be transformed into an entertainment venue at night.”

The site was previously known as The Bar and used to be operated by Luminar Leisure. Works began on site in August 2014 with main contractor Jon Doubleday Building Services working alongside Breley Design to undertake a complete strip out of the space, taking the venue straight back to the shell, before starting again design-wise.

The bar has been designed to be different to an average high street Chelmsford bar; Dwight explained how the team has tried to create a space akin to a London hotel-bar. Upon entering the space guests will immediately see the reception desk where a member of staff will greet them and take them to their table. An eye-catching, bright island bar is situated in the centre of the venue and has been adorned with 32 pendant lights.

+44 (0) 7710 787 708images@adamparker.co.uk- Faces Bar & Kitchen - Chelmsford

To the right of the island bar is the 70 cover restaurant area which offers views of the dramatic, open plan kitchen. Classy black tiles have been fitted throughout the venue, including all of the back of house areas in a bid to make the space as elegant as possible.

To the left of the bar there is a small dance floor area with a stage for live music events. In the week pianists and guitarists grace the stage to entertain guests and on the weekend the space is utilised as a late night venue.

In the corner of the venue a VIP area comprises an array of luxurious booth seating which can be hired out for up to 10 guests. The VIP area is also served solely by the venues dedicated service bar.

The venue has been decorated in a neutral pallet but is brightened up by the impressive LED colour-change lighting which has been installed. The bespoke art work on the walls of the venue also adds a certain vibrancy to the space.

The venue is located on the ground floor of an office block in Kings Head Walk, Chelmsford. The venue serve contemporary, British and home-made dishes using locally sourced produce. Meat is often smoked using a Josper Grill which gives the steaks and fish on the menu a unique taste and texture.

Kroeze Interieurbouw specialises in the production and design of leisure interiors and has been in operation since 1961. Most recently the firm produced and installed the interiors, lighting and furniture for the Motel One project.

The firm has worked with Breley Design previously on other Faces schemes as well as Halo in Peterborough and Hotel de France in Jersey.

Paul Kroeze from Kroeze Interieurbouw commented:

“We pride ourselves on our price, quality, reliability in delivery and price.”

The venue was unveiled to the public in October last year and was, according to Dwight, “one of the smoothest sites” he has ever run. This was down to substantial forward planning by the clients, architects and the team of builders, joiners and electricians. Dwight added:

“The team were great and we are looking forward to doing the next Faces venue with them. I love working with these clients; I am proud to have my name associated with their brand and having worked with them for 25 years it is clear we are both doing something right.

“There are not many nightclub brands that have lasted for 25 years which are still extremely popular like Faces so it is great to work with them.”

+44 (0) 7710 787 708images@adamparker.co.uk- Faces Bar & Kitchen - Chelmsford

J Doubleday Building Services Ltd

J Doubleday Building Services Ltd is a specialist refurbishment contractor to the hotel and leisure industry. The firm has been in operation since the 1920’s and now deliver an array of services for hotel, bar, restaurant and nightclub projects across the UK.

The firm have undertaken numerous projects for private clients as well as working for Menzies Hotels, and privately owned hotels such as Bedford Lodge in Newmarket, Lords of the Manor in Upper Slaughter and Feathers Hotel in Woodstock. We caught up with Jon Doubleday, the Director of J Doubleday Building Services Ltd, to find out more about the Faces & Kitchen Bar in Chelmsford.

The firm acted as the main contractor during the scheme conducting the strip out of the old night club as well as the general building works on site over a 12 week period. Jon commented:

“We work all over the country normally but this scheme was local to us which was nice. The project was challenging as the client had a completion date in mind so there was a lot of pressure to complete the works on time. The project involved a transformation of a worn out nightclub into something new and unique to Chelmsford.

“As a company we pride ourselves on our quality of work and relationships with the clients. Over the years we have worked with the same hotel groups because of the relationships we have built up. The clients on this scheme are looking at new projects and we hope to be involved with them.”

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