Premier Hospitality

Dukes Head Crawley Down

Dukes Head
Written by Roma Publications

The Dukes Head

The Dukes Head is a premium pub, bar, and restaurant with its very own courtyard centrally located in the heart of the picturesque town of Crawley Down. It recently underwent a remodel, which began in February of 2019 and was complete by March 2019.

The project involved a remodel of the existing pub to create drinking, dining and more flexible zones. The offer from the operator was uplifted and the interiors were briefed to reflect this. The building shell was retained during the works and internal walls and bar positions were reshaped to fit the new layout.

The building spans across two floors, with the refurbishment only happening to public areas, which was most of the ground floor space. The public space included a feature bar, Private VIP dining, bar drinking and flexible day time spaces. The external space was increased to the rear, creating a more useable dining and drinking space outside.

The bar is clad in a ceramic curved tile with a band of brass and timber sitting above. The bespoke colour of the ceramic creates impact upon on entry, whilst the brass and timber enhance the quality and high end feel. The back bar is constructed from the same timber and brass detail, and the marble effect top adds to the impact.

The pub hosts a whiskey room, and it is carved into the space with the same joinery style as the back bar, adding to the continual feel throughout the bar area. The introduction of the timber and glazed screens makes the space more useable and allows for diversity in furniture style and heights. The restaurant is light, airy and contrasting to the moody bar area to encourage day time diners. Fluted booth seating creates the ideal party table, and these are complimented with bespoke furniture scattered throughout the bar and restaurant space.
The main entrance is extremely impactful; checkerboard floor tiling, deep teal ceramics clad to the fireplace, and a bespoke brass light fitting sat against deep cherry ceiling colours. Artwork, some of which is back lit for added effect, is a talking point throughout. Bespoke joinery units have been crafted from timber.

The exterior finish of the building was preserved and decorated to suit the site’s historical Tudor history. Additionally, a new porch was added with a solid timber door used with half render and glazed windows; and this was to suit the existing elevation and enhance the quality of the offering within the site.

JMDA worked as interior designers for the project, and they commented:

“This project was the first of a brand new design concept for the client and therefore meant a lot to the design team to see the finished article. The concept was created to sit alongside and enhance the client’s offer. The design team worked with the operators of the space to understand their needs whilst creating an impactful and elegant design. Most fixtures and fittings seen in the space are bespoke which involved a lot of design time and effort. The concept was based on a high-end aspirational feel, we believe the design selections including colours, fabrics and material choices achieved the design intent.”

Thus, The Dukes Head now features stylish décor and a vibrant atmosphere, and the pub is the perfect destination for a delicious lunch, a midweek treat, a three-course meal or celebratory drinks.

Offering a great selection of seasonal dishes and a superb collection of wines, real ales, and lagers, the family friendly pub, bar, and restaurant will allow customers to dine and relax, and mingle in comfort.

Dukes Head

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Roma Publications