The Grand Assembly, Marlow. Commended in the Conversion to Pub Use category
Marlow pub celebrates grand designs in national CAMRA competition
The Grand Assembly in Marlow, Buckinghamshire has won ‘Commended’ in the Conversion to Pub Use category in CAMRA’s prestigious Pub Design Awards, transforming a former retail unit into a Victorian era inspired pub.
The award category recognises a building which previously was not a pub, using the building’s character and historic features to capture a pub’s atmosphere and ambience.
The Grand Assembly is a converted M&Co shop by architects kdpa, commissioned by Wetherspoons. Inspired by pubs and grand assembly halls of the Victorian era, but with a modern-industrial twist, the interior has been broken up into discrete areas with Victorian styled screening, featuring bespoke, embellished tiling and huge empire chandeliers.
The lighting, choice of colours and carpets have all been inspired by Marlow’s links to the Thames and rowing heritage.
Andrew Davison, Chair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, said:
“Despite the increasing pressure on the hospitality industry, people are still prepared to invest time, money, and energy into pubs and bars. The Pub Design Awards recognise the extraordinary amount of effort, the imagination and design, plus high-quality craftsmanship which have gone into all of these projects. In these troubled times, the pub still has a key role to play in our communities, and those who are working to conserve, repair and renovate them should rightfully be applauded.”
Shelly Bentley, Awards Committee Chair, added:
“From striking Art Deco wonders to inviting streetcorner locals, there are some beautiful pubs across the UK. Next time you are enjoying a pint, take a second to marvel at the skill involved in making these stunning spaces. In these difficult times for the industry, it is always heartening to see just how much people care about pubs. From volunteering to help renovate your local, to architects undergoing full-on conservation projects, it all means future generations can enjoy them too.”
Ends
Notes to Editors:
Photos of the Grand Assembly here.
Full list of Pub Design Awards winners here.
About CAMRA’s Pub Design Awards
CAMRA’s Pub Design Awards celebrates not only the UK’s best-looking pubs, but those which have been lovingly revamped or refurbished, to ambitious conversions and those which have made a real difference to their local community.
Run in collaboration with Historic England, the competition is judged by a panel of experts passionate about design and conservation. The awards shine a light on just how important pub architecture is, from ornate Victorian gin palaces to imaginative contemporary spaces.
Information about the Pub Design Awards here.
Historic England
Historic England is a public body that protects, champions and saves England's spectacular historic environment, helping people to care for, enjoy and celebrate history.
Learn more about Historic England here.
