Andy Thornton Ltd

The Chester Grosvenor

The unveiling of the new Arkle Bar & Lounge and Michelin starred restaurant, “Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor”, is the latest in a series of refurbishments undertaken by specialist interior fit-out contractor Andy Thornton Ltd, at one of northern England’s finest hotels. Dating back to 1865, The Chester Grosvenor & Spa, located in the heart of historic Chester, is one of only a few hotels outside London to be awarded five AA red stars.

The hotel management commissioned interior designer Jane Goff of Goff Associates to create a stunning new look for the hotel’s bar, lounge and restaurant. The result is an eclectic blend of traditional and contemporary styling, with the previously divided bar & lounge areas opened up to create a more spacious feel, yet still remaining intimate and welcoming.

As main contractor on this refurbishment, Andy Thornton were presented with the challenging task of refurbishing these major public areas over a tight five-week installation programme, with the hotel remaining fully operational throughout. The company project-managed all the building works, specialist joinery and decoration package.

In the Arkle Bar, Andy Thornton installed a contemporary curved mahogany veneered bar counter incorporating granite work surfaces, a mirrored back fitting with illuminated liquor steps and a bespoke wine servery cabinet.

In the lounge area, Andy Thornton manufactured and fitted additional period-style timber wall panelling to match the existing as well as contemporary windows that provide views of the hotel’s main thoroughfare. They supplied the mahogany coffee tables and low dining tables and were responsible for decorating the whole lounge area.

The new bar and restaurant interior is fitting and timely reward for the restaurant’s head chef Simon Radley, who has just won a ‘Catey’, a top industry award for the category ‘Hotel Chef of the Year 2008’. He also played a major part in the hotel being named Large Hotel of the year at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence last year.

This latest development follows on closely from Andy Thornton’s refurbishment of the hotel’s Eaton Suite, in January. Here they created a state-of-the-art Executive Boardroom, featuring an impressive triangular boardroom table and incorporating the very latest video conferencing facilities.

The company were also responsible for the major refit of The Westminster Suite, an extensive £3 million investment to upgrade the hotel’s conference, meeting facilities and private dining areas combining the latest intelligent technology with traditional elegance. Here Andy Thornton was responsible for the complete refurbishment, from the strip-out to the creation of new layouts including specialist joinery, decorative acoustic ceilings and partitions, floor coverings and decorations.

For more information on our Contract Services, please call us now on 01422 376000 or email marketing@andythornton.com