Premier Hospitality

Ragdale Hall

Ragdale
Written by Roma Publications

New look for Ragdale Hall’s Verandah Bar

Ragdale

A brand new area for eating – or just enjoying a relaxing drink – has been introduced to the award-winning Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa, presenting the extended and completely redeveloped Verandah Bar. Now open, the bar is already a massive hit with guests at the Leicestershire-based spa.

After undergoing a significant extension, including the installation of a larger bar area and kitchen, stylish furniture and bespoke lighting was added to complete the transformation. Finishing touches have also been made to the eye-catching al fresco area, including some surprises which will be ready for the warm weather that summer brings.

In addition to the interiors undergoing a revamp, new menus have also been launched at the Verandah Bar. Ragdale’s Executive Head Chef has thoughtfully combined a range of delicious foods, with the extended evening selection in particular boasting his take on top quality ‘gastro-pub’ inspiration. Pulled pork, crab cakes and sea bass feature on the menu, along with vegetarian dishes and a selection of decadent desserts.

Premier Hospitality spoke to Liz Millington, Director of Liz Millington Interiors Ltd, to discover more on the project and her involvements with it.

“I have been Ragdale’s interior designer for around 12 years, so have been involved in all the projects undertaken over that period. This has included a diverse range of work from updating the majority of the 90 bedrooms, the Atrium and main Dining Room, helping with the design and concept for the brand new Pavilion relaxation lounge opened a couple of years ago, to refurbishing changing rooms and Ladies Powder rooms. It definitely keeps you on your toes and forces you to research new areas of expertise, which ultimately expands your professional repertoire. I’m always learning from each new project which I find extremely stimulating!”

“The project began onsite in September 2015 and opened mid-February this year.

“My initial brief for the Verandah Bar was to retain the essence of the area with its very eclectic feel (keeping a mixture of different tables and chairs etc) but to move it forward in a sympathetic way. Ragdale have a huge level of repeat clientele with very strong feelings about changes in the Hall so we always have to bear this in mind when updating areas! “

“I was also asked to keep the existing tongue and groove panelling but I wanted to create more of a focal point along what would be the newly extended facing wall, so that when guests entered the space there would be more colour and interest. Early on I found the beautiful Jessica Zoob wallpaper which looks like a hand painted pastel watercolour and this became the starting point for the whole look of the room. The coloured light pendants were able to pick up different colours from the wallpaper which worked really well.”

A contemporary curved bar was designed by cabinet makers, Barrett and Swann from nearby Cropwell Butler in Nottinghamshire (who have previously made the Garden Room Bar, Reception desks and buffet and service furniture in the Dining Room). An innovative, subtly shimmering surface known as ‘Pearlamina’ features across the front of the bar, adding a touch of flair.

Two elegant handmade glass pendants by Derbyshire Company Curiousa & Curiousa in the soft pastel colours of the rest of the furnishings adorn the new space, with co-ordinating glass shades over the bar. Presenting comfort and style, an eclectic mix of lounging and dining furniture completes the look.

“Initially, there were some issues with a change in the roof glazing manufacturer – however it was pretty straight forward after that.

“The feedback has been absolutely amazing! I suppose it is an area that everyone uses and feels strongly about – and it has been wonderful to be a part of that.”

When asked how important it was to work on the project, Liz replied:

“Working on this development is a vital ‘bread and butter’ element of my business as it is essentially a continual project. I carry out a lot of high end residential projects; however Ragdale will always be a very special client as over the years I have become part of their extended family and quite apart from everything else, they are an extremely nice team to work with!”

 

Taylor Pearson Construction Ltd

Taylor Pearson Construction (TPC) Ltd is a leading construction specialist operating across a range of sectors, including recreation and leisure. TPC became a limited company in 1974 and pride themselves on their ability to work successfully with their client in live environments.

Over the years, TPC has worked on a broad range of projects, from education and commercial schemes to retail and recreation. Past projects have included stores for Dunelm Mill, Argos and Co-Op, a refurbishment at Lincoln Castle Academy and the reconstruction of a fire damaged building at Woodhall Spa, amongst others.

Most recently, TPC was appointed as the main contractor on the Verandah Bar at Ragdale Hall in Leicestershire. The work involved the construction of a single storey extension to the existing café bar, to form a new veranda bar, along with the installation of a new kitchen and all associated works.

Mark Robertson of TPC, said:

“Taylor Pearson Construction were pleased to be involved with this project. We worked successfully with such a prestigious client and design team and produced an outcome that we are proud to have been involved with.”

Mark added:

“At TPC, we pride ourselves in producing a quality product, gaining repeat business with our proactive approach to minimise construction related issues before and during the build process.”

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Roma Publications