Newcastle-based leisure operator, the Cairn Group, has announced a significant makeover at one of its most popular venues appointing specialist interior design company Bar Hound, to assist in the project.
Cairn Group, which owns and operates 20 hotels and four north east bars, including Jalou at Newcastle Central Station, Riverbar in Washington and Spy Bar, Jesmond, has appointed Bar Hound to deliver a £500,000 scheme to totally transform Bar Berlise, also in Jesmond, creating some 20 new jobs.
Following its earlier renovation of the Cairn Hotel and Sohe restaurant, Cairn Group decided to work with Bar Hound whose brief on this occasion is to create a destination bar which will breathe new life into Osborne Road.
Headed up by David King, Bar Hound’s design team is to remodel Bar Berlise’s interior to complement that of the Cairn Hotel and Sohe restaurant, creating new spaces with a contemporary feel.
David King, the man behind the design of some of Newcastle’s best loved venues, is pleased with the opportunity to work with the Cairn Group on this significant makeover. He said:
“I am delighted to have been appointed to design the new look 97 & Social on behalf of such a key leisure operator as the Cairn Group. The group has set high standards across its bars, restaurants and hotels and this project is no exception. The new interior will be a combination of the very best quality in leisure environments, featuring references to some of the most interesting and eclectic interiors from across the world, to provide guests with laid-back comfort in chic surroundings.
“Typically it will have elements of glamour coupled with rustic charm, complementing the original architecture of the building in which it sits.”
This latest announcement by the Cairn Group represents a total spend of £2 million in the redevelopment of this particular Jesmond site. A spokesperson for the Cairn Group said:
“The group is committed to creating venues that raise the bar in sleeping, eating and dining experiences; renovating 97 & Social is the latest phase in the upgrade of the building. We chose to work with David because of the great reputation he and his team have for creating innovative interiors and, whilst we had ideas of how we wanted the venue to look, his help in bringing those ideas to reality will be invaluable.
“Transforming 97 & Social will make the space more useable for both day and evening trading to provide a premium offering on Osborne Road, a key location within Jesmond.”
Work on the new look venue is expected to complete within the next 2 weeks.
Currently the Cairn Group employs some 1,000 staff across its portfolio and the launch of 97 & Social is expected to create a further 20 jobs.
97 & Social will be officially launched on Friday 1st May, to secure your invitation to the event visit www.97social.co.uk