Refurbishment & interiors: case study - the Grand Union

Filthy McNasty's it might have been, but there's little sign now that the Grand Union was once a grungy music venue.

A £350,000 project, jointly funded by new tenants Adam Marshall and Adam Sawood and Scottish & Newcastle Pub Enterprises (S&NPE) and completed last November, has turned the pub into a stylish bar-brasserie. Lunchtimes see the clean contemporary looking bars packed with local office workers, while evenings often find areas booked for private parties. The Grand Union is a highly versatile space, but the one constant is food.

"The previous tenants left in September 2006," says Adam Marshall. "S&NPE had a very clear vision of what they wanted the pub to be and fortunately that vision coincided with our own ethos and we were heavily involved in the design and construction processes right from the word go.

"S&NPE's project and build manager Stewart Watson was always our first port of call for any problems. He helped us find the design company, who came up with the look we were after, and sourced the contractors. They've produced something beautiful from something that was, to be frank, a bit of a wreck."

Careful examination of the local market, and the creation of a complete product to satisfy that market, was key. The refurb took eight weeks and required the total removal of the old interior and a complete rewiring. The trading areas were expanded and a proper kitchen installed. Outside a 30-cover dining area was added.

The new Grand Union is now a sophisticated food venue with communal tables complemented by private corners. The design features plenty of 'texture' in the form of natural wood panels and high quality furnishings. Décor, fixtures and fittings all combine to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Weekly turnover already stands in excess of £10,000 per week and the pub has been as successful at attracting women as well as men - despite a connection with rugby union that's only natural being so close to the headquarters of the game.

"We looked really hard at our potential market and realised attracting female consumers would be crucial," says Adam.

"That meant a gender-neutral style of design that features quality, contemporary fixtures and fittings rather than a single theme. There's also lots of plants that breathe life into the pub and we have placed great emphasis on the right lighting."