The brief was to reimagine and transform an abandoned piano bar on White Horse Street into a versatile venue - a modern pub as well as space to host private events and wine tastings. The interior was to provide an elevated and elegant environment that would be representative of the food and drink on offer.
While on an initial site visit the Studio Caché team were captivated by an existing feature of the space - an expanse of wall along the stairwell which exhibited many signs of its previous history. Taking this as a visual springboard, Studio Caché allowed the building’s existing features to organically shape the design approach for the ground floor. A striking colour block in a deep, heritage blue dominates the space, with an antique Victorian fire surround and other vintage pieces creating a contrast with modern furniture pieces.
The downstairs space is the antithesis of the cool elegance of the ground floor. Here the walls have been finished in a textured exposed plaster, the colour scheme is warm, enveloping, almost cavernous with elements of wabi sabi. Lighting is subdued and the centrepiece is an impressive 3.4 metre table, made from reclaimed wood and cast-iron pedestals that were once used as bases for 19C corn grinder mills.
As with all their projects, Studio Caché’s design is led by a dedication to sustainability, aiming to salvage and repurpose as much existing materials as possible.
