Maximise the space
Restaurant space is at a premium and, as many are located within listed buildings, there are considerable restrictions to negotiate when planning a refurbishment. So it is vital that the square footage is maximised and the space is used to its full potential. Décor will help considerably, think mirrors and light wall colours to create a bigger space, while deeper colours will create a ‘cosy’ atmosphere. It’s also important to incorporate existing out buildings into the renovation plan, as they could potentially be converted into a separate function space which would increase revenue. While carrying out the refurbishment of The White Hart in Ampthill, we convinced the owners, Oakman Inns, to convert an adjoining stable block into a function room, rather than converting some of the upstairs rooms. As a result, ‘The Stables’ is now a successful revenue driving addition to The White Hart for functions and meetings.
