THE Cross Keys pub in Great Woolstone, Milton Keynes, has recently reopened its doors after an extensive refurbishment and extension which has more than doubled its restaurant covers.
Northamptonshire-based hospitality architecture and design specialist Jones Architecture + Design has been worked with the owners, Charles Wells Pubs, and the licensees, over the course of almost a year to ensure that every detail was carefully considered.
Since the pretty thatched village pub is listed, extensive consultations with the planning department were required to ensure that the development was sympathetic with the building and its surroundings.
The Cross Keys has been enjoying huge popularity for some time and has achieved several awards for its food, drink and fantastic service including recently being named the SME National Business Awards’ Best Pub in Bedfordshire. With this success, it was vital that the pub was extended to offer a larger restaurant and bar spaces long with alterations to the kitchen space to ensure that their operation could deal with the increase in capacity.
The new extension spans over an existing patio and incorporates a barn which was previously used as a store into the restaurant space. The barn now doubles as a great area for private functions. New bi-folding doors face out onto a new patio and ensure that the new areas are bright and contemporary.
As the pub dates back to the 1500s, it was important that the design makes the most of the building’s original features and that the character of the pub was retained.
Abi Perry-Jones, Creative Director of Jones AD, said: “The design flows through all of the spaces but each area has its own personality. An original fireplace was opened up and new wood burning stoves were installed to ensure a cosy welcoming atmosphere. We also designed a bespoke feature wall illustrated onsite by a local artist to incorporate some of the site’s history.”
As ever, Jones AD have delivered a design that looks great but also delivers commercially and operationally. Feedback has been amazing both from existing and new customers. Within the first few weeks of opening and sales are exceeding expectations bar far.
Contact Jones Architecture + Design on 01604 211 470 or visit www.jones-ad.co.uk