Head of Steam Leeds
A former Lloyds Bank and a well-known local landmark has been superbly transformed into the new Head of Steam pub on Park Row in Leeds, creating the 16th UK venue for the brand, which is operated by Camerons Brewery.
The modern pub is now delivering its usual mixture of high-quality local and international craft ales, irresistible food and retro gaming.
Interior designers for the scheme were Fusion By Design, who have carried out a number of previous projects for the client. Main Contractors were Chippendale, who were commended for their work on the project.
The building had been completely stripped out internally prior to works commencing.
Paul Brumwell of Fusion By Design said: “The client’s brief was to enhance the original interior without losing its character, and to allow them to operate a different version of their brand, whilst ‘turning the wheel’ slightly from previous designs which we have created for them.”
The interior beautifully combines stylish ’soft’ elements with a chic industrial look, enhanced by retained original features such as the concrete waffle ceiling, concrete columns and some concrete wall finishes to reflect the character of the building. Other wall finishes include elegant panelling with mirror insets.
On entering there is a carpeted area including banquette seating incorporating beer crates as a design feature, and a new fireplace, adding warmth and character. This leads into the main bar area with timber flooring and a tiled bar apron. The bar itself features a tiled frontage and a timber top. Adjacent to the bar is a section of railway carriage style banquette seating and a large vinyl print of the Leeds skyline, geared to giving the impression of arriving in Leeds by train.
The interior also incorporates a gaming area complete with island bar, shuffleboards and retro arcade games, partitioned by a scaffold and mesh screen and enhanced by vinyl flooring with a steel tread plate pattern, plus wall graffiti by a local artist.
In addition there is a VIP/tasting area where customers can enjoy beer sampling sessions. The space features low lighting and a bar dispense area and is enclosed by a steel framed screen inset with Georgian styled wired glass, again enhancing the ‘industrial’ element of the design, which has been ‘softened’ by upholstered furnishing throughout the whole of the interior.
Paul Brumwell said “The biggest challenge of the project was installing bar services within a former bank which had very thick concrete walls. We therefore had to cut a hole in the floor slab to install a beer hoist from the basement. Also when installing the kitchen extract, we had to go through the old lift riser shafts, as we could not cut through the walls.
“Chippendales did a very good job as main contractors and also carried out some enabling works prior to the main scheme commencing.
“We feel that we achieved both our own and the client’s vision for the space and are very pleased with the scheme. The client has also had some good feedback from customers. As Leeds-based designers, we are also pleased to have this project as a local showcase for our work.”
Head of Steam Regional Operations Manager Mark Connor said: “We’re confident that our newest bar is going to blow both fans of The Head of Steam and newcomers away. Few bars can match our level of high-quality craft ales, and our food and gaming offering only adds to the experience. We’ve seen the brand go from strength-to-strength since it was acquired by Camerons Brewery in 2013, and the future possibilities are endless.”
Chippendale Projects
Chippendale Projects is a leading fit-out contractor delivering projects across a range of sectors, including offices and schools, but with a specific focus on schemes within the hospitality and leisure industry. The company has been in operation for 35 years, is backed by a 10,000sq ft manufacturing warehouse and has built up a reputation for its high-quality service.
Over the years, Chippendale Projects has developed a packed portfolio of projects ranging from a recent bar refurbishment for Appleby Inn Tamworth to the implementation of various fire-stopping schemes in schools, utilising bespoke door sets all manufactured in-house. Meanwhile, with Cameron’s, Chippendale Projects has built up a strong working relationship delivering Head of Steam in Birmingham and now Leeds Park Row, alongside passed projects such as Brewery Tap, Midnight Bell in Leeds and more recently, The Lamb and Flag.
Chippendale Projects Director, Jamie Hacker, said:
“We really appreciate our involvement with Cameron’s – they’re a leading name in the pub sector and a great client to work with.”
Jamie added:
“At Chippendale Projects we pride ourselves in our attention to detail, as well as the quality of our manufacturing.”
