The Prince Louis

With the major refurbishment being completed on the day he was born, this Essex village pub has been aptly named the Prince Louis.

The extensive structural alterations included the formation of a new full width opening, removal of a supporting pier, installation of new bifold timber doors and the creation of two new openings into the entrance porch.

Old sash windows were removed and replaced with single pane glass panels, a new fire exit and staff entrance were created, and the cellar doors widened.

Full external redecorations were carried out including timber and render repairs, the casting of a new concrete base for the Cold Room, formation of a new canopy and roof over the Cold Room and widening of the block paving path.

Internally, walls were repositioned and new openings and doorways formed to create a new spirit store and staff room, and improvement of the traffic flow to both the public and kitchen areas.

Old flooring was removed and new themed wooden flooring, floor tiling and carpeting were laid and a new suspended timber raft ceiling installed. Fireplaces were renovated, and a new wood burner fitted. Male, female and disabled toilets were refurbished throughout.

With leather seating and turn of the century antique artefacts and decor, the pub has been given a vintage feel. Bespoke joinery included the provision of oak shelving and an oak bar top made in our own workshop. French polishing was applied to all new and existing wood surfaces. Themed wall finishes incorporated decorative tiling, wood panelling, brick slips and specialist wallpaper.

Mechanical and electrical services encompassed the installation of new power circuits and data cabling, dimmable lighting, air conditioning, new fire and burglar alarm systems and external lighting. The existing heating system was altered to suit the new design and layout and a new boiler and hot water cylinder were installed in the plant room.

The trade kitchen was given a thorough overhaul, with new walling, ceilings and doors fitted. A new Rotisserie was installed and all wood and metalwork decorated to a professional high gloss finish.
The manager’s and staff accommodation areas were reconfigured to create more usable space. Kitchens and bathrooms were refurbished and electrical, water and waste alterations made to suit the new layout.

SW Bruce’s Managing Director Richard Messling, provided substantial added value to the project, contributing his design skills (in particular to the restructured bar area) and extensive buildability advice to the whole project team, both pre-start and throughout the project’s development.