For the past two and a half decades, it has been an important landmark in Kohuwala, Nugegoda. It has also become a household name in Colombo society. Previously, the pub was given higher attention by the proprietor than the restaurant. The current generation of management desired a makeover that would offer the restaurant equal significance as a proper dining establishment while still catering to the pub’s longstanding clientele. This client’s request presented us with a challenge, which we met by creating a succession of areas with various atmospheres and levels of privacy.

There were six distinct areas in the overall design. Two bar areas, private dining rooms, a takeaway area with eating facilities, an outside takeaway for quick pickups, and a space for private parties and gatherings are all available. The client gave us a limited budget but high expectations for a comprehensive overhaul into a modern restaurant and pub with a contemporary feel.

The project began intending to salvage as many elements as possible from the original structure, which greatly aided us in keeping costs down and providing that snug and warm feeling that was a key design aspect for a bar.

Metal, wood, and bricks rescued from the original building were harmonically employed throughout the room. The same materials are used throughout the restaurant, such as cement finish tiles, exposed brick walls, timber panelling on the ceiling, weathered finish table tops with steel matte black frames, brown synthetic leather finish seating, and warm industrial style lights, to create an overall rustic finish that invites customers to unwind after a long day.

The weathered finish table tops were added to the existing steel leg frame, which was complemented by new industrial style drop lights and re-upholstered old booth chairs, which were employed not only to reduce cost but also to provide consumers with a range of furniture options.

Diversification of contemporary and traditional materials, as well as variable quality and intensity of lighting, were employed in the restaurant and pub to try to create separate areas with diverse atmospheres.

The front facade was created as a conspicuous landmark in the region to make it more distinguished and a stunning premise for anyone passing through.