A great guest experience starts at the entrance

St Marys Hotel Public Bar was thoughtfully redesigned in close collaboration with our client to create a welcoming and refreshed first impression. From the outset, every decision was guided by how guests move through the space, gather, and experience the atmosphere, ensuring the environment feels both intuitive and inviting.

The transformation began with the entrance façade. Fresh paintwork, mosaic-tiled columns, refined signage placement, and a new timber-lined ceiling softened and elevated the street presence. Planter boxes with cascading greenery and integrated irrigation brought life to the awning, while carefully positioned feature lighting created a welcoming glow from day to night. The goal was simple — to make every arrival feel considered and inviting.

Inside, the public bar was revitalised with equal care. We retained the existing bar structure — preserving its familiarity and character — while upgrading the façade, back bar, and finishes to give the space renewed energy. New wall and floor finishes, wall paneling, feature LED lighting, and updated ceilings brought cohesion and warmth, complemented by carefully selected new furniture. A new wash-up area improved functionality behind the scenes, ensuring the space works as seamlessly for staff as it does for guests.

The bathrooms were fully refurbished and reconfigured to enhance comfort and flow, aligning with the refreshed aesthetic throughout the hotel. Outdoors, the courtyard was reimagined with new paint finishes, shade sails, and thoughtfully selected planting to create a relaxed, layered environment that invites guests to linger.

The result is a cohesive hospitality experience — one that balances atmosphere and practicality, honours the hotel’s character, and reflects a strong, ongoing partnership with our client. Together, we’ve created spaces that not only look refreshed, but feel genuinely welcoming.