Orchid launches 'Contemporary Drinking'

The Orchid Group, the managed operator of 290 sites owned by GI Partners, launches its new 'Contemporary Drinking' concept this week at two transformed sites, the Royal Standard pub, Blackheath and Saint Mark's in Surbiton.

The Royal Standard and Saint Mark's hope to "unveil a whole new concept for style-conscious, sophisticated customers to experience and savour".

The Orchid Group has set out to create "new pubs that recall the decadent brasseries of old fused with the electric atmosphere of today's most stylish and swanky haunts".

The company says the "interiors provide an eclectic mix of decedent, retro, modern and contemporary design features".

It hopes 'Contemporary Drinking' will appeal to ABC1 professionals aged from mid-twenties to mid-forties who appreciate the latest in social trends, with a 40:60 male:female bias.

The Royal Standard's grand, apartment-style, petrol blue lounge area boasts huge chandeliers combined with a tin ceiling and a host of cutting edge features.

The outdoor area is now twice the size of before

Saint Mark's is aimed at the ladies of Surbiton with its "sleek, glamorous and decadent interiors"

"Our vision for this new segment was to create an aspirational, wet-led concept that had broad appeal offering quality finishing touches for the ladies as well as sports for the guys,"​ said Simon Dodd, Commercial Director at The Orchid Group.

"The distinct zones enable customers to meet their particular visit requirements with ease and the latest in interior and exterior design, with bold and stunning features ensures the overall effect is sophisticated and stylish."​

The Contemporary Drinking menu includes a range of tapas plates, flatbreads/rustic baguettes, mezze sharer platters, mains, Sunday roasts, sides and desserts.

Pre-order facilities are available for local offices as well as a pre-book Sunday Roast for parties with a minimum of 6.