Walton's Bar...A Story Through Time
- Jul 23
- 5 min read
Award Recognition
We are delighted that Walton's Bar at The Crown Hotel, Wetheral has been shortlisted for the 2026 British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) Interior Design Awards in the North & North West – Commercial category. Recognised as one of the UK's most prestigious interior design awards, the BIID Awards celebrate outstanding creativity, technical excellence and commercial impact. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in October 2026, and we are incredibly proud to have this project recognised alongside some of the country's finest commercial interiors. You can find out more about the BIID Interior Design Awards and the regional commercial categories here: BIID Interior Design Awards 2026.
Breathing New Life into a Historic Cumbrian Inn in Just Five Weeks
There are some projects that are rewarding because of the design, and others that become memorable because of the story they tell. Walton's Bar at The Crown Hotel in Wetheral was fortunate enough to be both.
Set within one of Cumbria's most historic coaching inns, The Crown Hotel has welcomed visitors since the early 1800s. For generations it became synonymous with salmon fishing on the River Eden, attracting anglers from across the country who would arrive by horse and carriage, leave their horses in the hotel's stables, and head out onto the river before returning to the warmth of the inn. This remarkable history became the inspiration behind every design decision we made. Our brief was to create a contemporary gastro pub that felt commercially successful whilst respectfully celebrating the building's heritage.
BEFORE IMAGES
A Space That Had Lost Its Identity
Before work began, Walton's Bar no longer reflected either the quality of the hotel or the incredible history behind it. The existing restaurant felt tired and lacked personality, with worn timber flooring, plain painted walls, dated furniture and a layout that failed to encourage guests to stay and dine. The bar itself occupied an entire wall, yet despite its size it lacked presence and character, while valuable floor space was underutilised, limiting both atmosphere and commercial potential.
Rather than simply redecorating, it became clear that the project required a complete rethink. Every element needed questioning, not only how the space looked, but how it functioned, how guests experienced it, and ultimately how it could become a more profitable destination for the hotel.
THE PROPOSED FLOORPLAN WITH MOODBOARD
Looking Beyond the Surface
One of the most important aspects of any hospitality project is understanding that great design must work as hard operationally as it does aesthetically.
Before any decorative finishes were considered, extensive enabling works were undertaken. The existing flooring was stripped back, damp-proofing measures were introduced where required, and the floors were carefully levelled to provide a solid foundation for the new finishes. Electrical layouts were completely redesigned to accommodate atmospheric layered lighting, additional power requirements and carefully positioned feature lighting throughout the restaurant.
Behind the scenes, the bar itself was reconfigured to improve workflow and functionality for staff. Every movement behind the bar was considered, ensuring the operational layout worked far more efficiently whilst maintaining generous service space.
At the same time, we completely reviewed the restaurant layout, carefully planning circulation routes, booth positions and furniture layouts. By introducing intimate booth seating, flexible dining arrangements and making far better use of the available floor area, we were able to significantly increase the number of seated covers, creating greater opportunities for food sales without compromising guest comfort.
This balance between commercial performance and beautiful design is often where hospitality interiors are won or lost.
Designing a Story, Not a Theme
From the outset, we wanted Walton's Bar to feel authentic rather than theatrical.
Instead of creating an obvious fishing theme, we chose to tell the story of the hotel's past through subtle layers of design that guests discover over time.
The bespoke emerald green glazed tiles wrapping the front of the bar were chosen because their raised detailing resembles the riveted hulls of traditional fishing boats. Around the perimeter of the bar, intricate basketweave floor tiles reference the woven fishing baskets once used along the River Eden. The sculptural Tom Dixon wall lights introduce a contemporary focal point while subtly representing oxygen bubbles rising through water, and decorative divider screens finished in Arte woven wallcovering echo the reeds and rushes found along the riverbank.
Throughout the restaurant, antique wooden boat oars, vintage life rings, historic fish illustrations and carefully curated heritage objects quietly reinforce the story without overwhelming the space. Every decorative piece was selected with purpose, creating a rich narrative that feels completely at home within the building.
COLOURED ELEVATIONS
Creating Places to Linger
Hospitality today is about experience as much as it is about food.
Rather than filling the restaurant with rows of identical tables, we designed a variety of seating experiences. Intimate booths provide privacy for couples, secluded corners offer relaxed spaces for friends and families, while carefully positioned divider screens create smaller, more comfortable dining zones without making the room feel enclosed.
Warm earthy tones, luxurious contract-grade fabrics, leather upholstery, layered lighting and tactile natural materials combine to create an atmosphere that evolves beautifully from daytime dining into cosy evening drinks. Bespoke shelving, integrated lighting and a welcoming reception desk complete the guest journey from arrival through to departure.
From Rip-Out to Completion in Just Five Weeks
Perhaps the most remarkable achievement of the project was the programme itself.
From complete strip-out to welcoming the first guests back through the doors, the entire transformation was delivered in just five weeks.
Projects of this complexity rely on far more than beautiful design. They require meticulous planning, detailed technical drawings, carefully coordinated trades, trusted suppliers and constant site management to ensure every contractor is working seamlessly towards a common deadline.
Despite the demanding programme, every bespoke element, from the booth seating and joinery to the lighting, styling and finishing details, was delivered on time, allowing the hotel to reopen with minimal disruption to the business.
THE END RESULT
Today, Walton's Bar bears little resemblance to the tired restaurant that once occupied the space.
It has become a destination in its own right, a warm, welcoming gastro pub where heritage and contemporary design exist in perfect harmony. Rich textures, layered lighting and carefully considered materials create an inviting atmosphere, while the subtle references to Wetheral's fishing history give the space authenticity and soul.
More importantly, the redesign has transformed not only the appearance of the restaurant, but the way it operates. Increased seating capacity, improved staff workflow, enhanced guest experience and a stronger commercial offering ensure the space is now as successful operationally as it is visually.
For us, Walton's Bar is a perfect example of what thoughtful hospitality design can achieve. By respecting the past whilst designing for the future, we've created an interior that tells a story, supports the business and gives guests a memorable experience every time they visit.
If you would like to talk through your project with us, please do get in touch...we would be delighted to hear from you!
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