The Boathouse Bar + Grill, Shrewsbury

PKA's top-to-bottom remodelling of Shrewsbury's Boathouse Inn has transformed this run-down public house into the Shropshire town's most iconic gastropub.

With a spectacular location on the banks of the River Severn that encircles the town's core, the historic inn - a Grade 2 listed building - was renovated and re-branded by Rachael Chidlow in 2013, including radical changes to the interior and the design of an outdoor garden terrace that overlooks the river.

As a listed building, the architectural fabric had to remain intact externally. However, the interior has been totally reimagined - while conserving its essential historic character - with a design scheme that included new timber panelling, new lighting, new furniture and a new colour scheme - as well as the introduction of a selection of antiques and rowing artefacts - some of which were found in storage on the site, others of which were sourced from local dealers.

The extensive river terrace was also redesigned, with trees, furniture and parasols, as well as a new bar at the river level which, along with hog-roast ovens, barbecues and music facilities has become the favourite destination for locals and summertime visitors to the historic town.

The original boathouse at the water's edge was also renovated to include a new bar and kitchen; and it has been re-branded as 'The Boatshed' venue that has enabled the property cater for private parties as well as its regular bar and dining customers.

PKA's Boathouse remodelling has been much lauded in the local and national media, including the latest editions of the UK's Good Pub Guide.

Client: Mr. Jim Littler
Value: N/A

Size: 700 sq.m.

Reference: Mr. Jim Littler, Director
Design: 2012
Completion: 2013