Following on from taking on this building, it was fairly evident that to change perceptions and create a fresh start, it would take more than a new brand image.  The venue décor felt extremely dated throughout and certainly would not fit in with the progressive modernisation of the bar & food menus and a fresher style of service.

Meeting with David Oulsnam from Oulsnam Design in Bakewell, a plan was made to modernise the public areas whilst keep the heritage of this fantastic building.

The Bar

The bar should be the hub of the operation.  Perfect for locals to come and catch up, those predinner drinks, morning coffees and after walk lunch with the dogs through the Peak District.

The task was to brighten the room from the dark burgundy walls that was the style of city centre bars in the early 2000s.  The light fittings did not seem fitting for a premium boutique hotel and the curtains felt tired and dated.

The biggest challenge was the bar itself.  The coffee machine sat on the end of it which blocked the view of customers, rotten MDF housed the glasses, but there was insufficient space to work around it.  The easiest way around this was to knock it down and start again.  With the use of CAD a new efficient and erogonomic bar was designed.  This had stainless steel shelving, glass hanging rails, a designated coffee area, more functional space and a cocktail station and tills on the front bar allowing more guest engagement.  Matt Lowe from Twisted Wood, hand crafted a new bar top from original French oak.  A fantastic feature for this great bar.

The colour scheme was changed to blues, yellows and greys to convert from dingy pub to classic bar.  Dark tables were swapped for lighter oak.  Curtains were removed and the photos were replaced with peak district photography from Michael Cummins.

The Restaurant

From even the first glance at the restaurant, I could instantly see the potential.  The restaurant has fantastic floor to ceiling glass with views all over the Peak District and Hope Valley.  The biggest potential was for the disused lounge filled of chesterfield sofas and eclectic furniture.  The big problem was filling the long space to make it cosy and intimate.

A raised platform was created from the lounge area through to the restaurant to emulate private dining and puts in a variation in height.  Booth seating, contemporary lighting and feature wallpaper were all added.  The dining room carpet was replaced with laminate flooring and the dated curtains, blocking the iconic Maynard views were removed.

All new furniture was added along with new glasswear, cutlery and crockery to produce the new modern style of Maynard dining.

Perfect now for great lunches admiring the view or a Saturday night with vibrant atmosphere.

The Ballroom

The Maynard's iconic ballroom complete with it's own bar and private gardens is renowned for being one of the Peak District's destination wedding venues.  This room hosts featured ceilings and stunning chandeliers.

Unfortunately this room and the furniture within has become very tired though time.  In my opinion and through my own experience a bride will visualise her wedding day on her first impressions of seeing the room.  The large steel function chairs are unattractive and clunky.  The oak panneling, which has been iconic of this venue for years have made the room seem oppressive of latter years.

We took the decision to replace the steel backed chairs with chiavari chairs.  These elegant chairs are really on trend now with brides and all wedding styles.  They do not require dressing and fit with any wedding styles and themes of the modern day.

The biggest contraversial decision was to paint the oak panneling that is so recognisable to The Maynard.  By selecting a light stone colour, the room was transformed into a bright airy space.  Instantly the room felt bigger and fitted in the remit of a modern but very classic venue for all occasions.

Instantly the interest for weddings, event space and conferences have been highly sought after.  Brides are in awe of the new look and have jumped at the chance to have their Derbyshire wedding at The Maynard.

In addition to the above, work has taken place in the toilets, reception and other public areas.  There is another scheme taking place that we will update you with at a later date.

We do hope that you enjoy the refurbishment at The Maynard, should you have any thoughts or suggestions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us directly on enjoymore@the-maynard.com