The popular destination of the Stables bar and lounge had recently benefited from fit-outs to both the public bar and first floor lounge by Richmond. The main function room was still popular but looked dated and worn against the other spaces and needed to bring the Stables forward as a total hospitality experience.

The space had to remain essentially open to maintain a flexible location and cater for all function inevitabilities. The suspended ceiling and antiquated disco lighting would have to be replaced with a cleaner more consolidated lighting solution that provided adjustable lighting within any function scenario.

The dance floor was reduced by approximately 20% to allow the room to be split in two on less busy nights by decorative screens. The half open being more of lounge bar as opposed to a function room. This is reinforced by the lower plaster ceiling in this area making for a more intimate environment.

A combination of timber wall panelling, columns and feature natural stone work evoke a sense of tradition but enveloped with period colour of cream and picture gallery red an overall sense of contemporary/classic is generated with an overriding feeling of warmth throughout. The bar is commanding yet not intrusive into the space and the wall panelling detail is carried into the bar detailing. Specially commissioned carpet creates a luxury feel under foot and supports the overall scheme in colour and texture.

The lobby to the Ardmore Suite finishes off a tasteful solution with new signage and wall panelling - making the welcome/arrival to the Ardmore Suite a total experience. Supported by totally refurbished W.C suites and disabled facilities, the Ardmore Suite is on a power with any hotel in its quality of finish, detailing and craftsmanship and underwritten by period finishes and colours will have a longevity lacking in may other design solutions.

Richmond’s solution for the Ardmore Suite once again proves that a viable design solution is not just about straight fit-out but also one of using design as a marketing tool in the future development of income generation itself.