Premier Hospitality

Woodthorpe Prestwich

Woodthorpe
Written by Roma Publications

Woodthorpe – New age for historic pub

A historic pub with a wealth of original features, The Woodthorpe in Prestwich has been magnificently refurbished to provide modern luxury combined with echoes of its past, in what has been described as a highly successful project.

The Woodthorpe, which is owned by Manchester brewer Joseph Holt, is situated on Bury Old Road next to the famous Heaton Park. It was originally built for Sir Edward Holt as his family home and was later converted to pub/hotel in the 1950s.

The pub has been refurbished throughout to return the house to a state of modern comfort with a nod to its own inherent splendour, and boasts two bars and an impressive function suite for both private functions and additional dining covers. There are also two terraces – one covered in a traditional veranda style, and three beautifully refurbished boutique-style en-suite rooms.

Interior designers for the scheme were John Dixon Associates Ltd; main contractors were Fairbuild Construction, who were commended for their work.

The works, which were carried out over five weeks, also included a structural element involving the creation of a new disabled toilet block.

Replacing a former carvery area, a new traditional style timber clad bar with black leather upholstered front panelling and a new back bar fitting with vintage style mirror has been installed in the rear lounge/function room.

The existing bar has been updated with the addition of leather upholstered front panelling, with marble tiling and an antique style mirror to the rear. A new wrought iron canopy to hold glasses has also been installed overhead, together with new pendant lighting.

Jim Asbridge, director of John Dixon Associates Ltd said: “The interior was quite dark and dated and was completely re-decorated to create a more grandiose feel, including new feature floral wallpaper and wall panelling, new tiled flooring and carpeting, and a fresh new colour scheme in blues, greys and greens, designed to showcase the building’s existing architectural detail, which includes cornices and feature ceilings.

“Most of the windows have been fitted with new Roman blinds rather than curtains, to maximise natural light into the premises and the views out into the garden.”

The furnishings have been designed to be luxurious and welcoming, and include around 25 percent new furniture as well as original furnishings which were refurbished, including the addition of new table tops and re-painting. The new furniture includes poseur height seating around the bar areas, fixed seating, high level bench seating and settles.

A new paved patio with feature furniture has been created to the front of the building and access to the rear patio has been improved including the addition of a lych gate and disabled access.

The pub’s three beautiful boutique-style en-suite bedrooms have all been refurbished, together with the staircases and corridors. The bedrooms have all been re-decorated and include new beds, new lighting, sofas and armchairs.

The family-friendly pub has added some new features including a window display of the Joseph Holt brewery at the entrance hall, linking the site not just to the family but to the craft upon it is founded.

Quirky touches and modern elements can be seen throughout the pub especially in the new Library bar area where the original fireplace and beautifully carved wood clock is showcased.

In addition, the Drawing Room and Billiard Room have been recreated as dining areas with a warm comfortable colour scheme creating a relaxed feel, showcasing some of the most beautiful original carved interior details of the building.

Jim Asbridge said: “We were given access to Holt historic family artwork and photographs which are displayed throughout.

“The premises now have much more luxurious feel whilst echoing the history of the building, and have been transformed. We are very happy with the project which was good to work on and had a great relationship with the client who was pleased with the scheme.

“This was a key project for us due to the history of the building and its importance to the area. Fairbuild Construction did an excellent job with high quality work and great attention to detail.”

Woodthorpe

Contract Furniture UK Ltd

Contract Furniture UK Ltd (CFUK Ltd) manufacture and supply all aspects of contract furniture to the leisure industry, from tables, chairs, sofas and stools to specialist banquette seating, bars and everything required for a hotel bedroom. The company has been in operation for more than 20 years and within this time has worked with all of the leading pub & leisure companies supplying to David Lloyd Leisure, Stonegate Pub Company, Greene King, Star Pubs & Bars, Hydes Brewery, JW Lees and Wadworth Brewery, as well as many independent businesses.

Most recently, CFUK Ltd has been involved with the work on The Woodthorpe Hotel in Prestwich. Working on this project, CFUK Ltd supplied the venue with bedroom furniture as well as loose furniture including tables, dumb waiters, chairs and stools, sofas, poufs and more.

Kevin Tobin, Managing Director for CFUK Ltd, said:

“Being involved with this project and working closely with JDA Architecture and Interior Design let us not only see the revamp of the bedrooms’ with new furnishings but also allowed us to return a comfort and splendour to the local pub.”

Kevin added:

“At CFUK Ltd we pride ourselves on our quality, our service and our manufacturing skills, with everything made here in Britain.”

 

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Roma Publications