A new eye for design at Brakspear

April 2, 2012

Brakspear has appointed Stephanie Dennett to the new role of interior designer, offering advice and practical help for tenants to make improvements to their pub’s decor.

Dennett is working with new and existing tenants on design projects, which range from advice on making optimum use of the space in their pub to guidance on colour schemes and help with more complex refurbishments.  Her advice is free of charge to tenants, who also benefit from company-wide discounts secured with a number of suppliers.

Tom Davies, Brakspear’s chief executive, said, “The look and feel of a pub has such an impact on customers’ perceptions these days, that it’s hugely important to get it right.

“Understandably, not all our tenants have a flair for interior design, and sadly a poor redecoration job costs as much, if not more, than a great one. By tapping into Stephanie’s creativity, expertise and contacts, tenants can make a big improvement to their pub and give it standout from the competition – something that is doubly important in today’s challenging pub market.”

Dennett said, “Many tenants have told me they wouldn’t know where to start on choosing colour schemes, or finding new furniture, so they’re delighted with the new design service. Instead of spending hours looking through fabric swatches or furniture catalogues, they can get on with running their pub, so we’re saving them valuable time, and in most cases money as well.”

As part of the service, Dennett is building a collection of furniture and bric-a-brac that can be offered to tenants as part of a refurbishment.  She says, “Finding the right pieces is often what makes a redesign complete, but it’s time-consuming.  This way, I can view a pub and know that I’ve already got something in the store that will be perfect.”

Before joining Brakspear, Dennett worked in residential design. Pub design allows her greater creative latitude, as she explains, “Customers will enjoy a bold colour scheme or unusual wallpaper for a couple of hours in the pub, but would probably choose something less ‘out there’ to live with every day at home.  You can definitely be a lot braver in pubs and create a real impact.”

Dennett has already worked on several projects including The Cherry Tree in Kingston Blount, The Four Horseshoes at Checkendon, The Butchers Arms at Sonning Common and The Old Bell in Henley.

One of the tenants to have benefited from Dennett’s service is Vicky Taylor at the Four Horseshoes,in Checkendon, who opened the pub with partner Chris Rainey  in early March. She said, “Stephanie has been an absolute star. We are delighted with the design of our pub and receive nothing but favourable comments on it from customers.

“When we moved to the pub, Chris and I knew the look we wanted. Stephanie’s design expertise meant that she could tell us how to achieve it. For example, she suggested we break up the restaurant and bar areas with a new snug, which people love.  And she suggested bookcase-effect paper for a feature wall that we wouldn’t have thought of ourselves, but looks fantastic.

“Without Stephanie’s help, I’m sure we’d have spent far more time on the refurbishment, but not been as happy with the end result. We think it’s great that this advice was given to us free as new Brakspear tenants and it’s given us a real head start in developing our business.”

Brakspear owns great pubs to rent, tenancies, leases, in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire and other parts of the south-east and south Midlands.