St Austell Brewery has just opened the Samuel Jones, a new craft ale smokehouse on the banks of the River Exe in Exeter. It is set in a former bonded warehouse on the Victorian quayside which was built by Samuel Jones, a wine merchant and former mayor of Exeter. Their latest venue offers relaxed, barbecue- and smokehouse-inspired dining, set amongst furniture and furnishings from Andy Thornton.
The £1.5 million investment has transformed what was until recently a derelict building. Interior designer on the project – Design Management Partnership – has created a striking interior to suit a building which has been stripped right back to its natural elements.
The designer commissioned Andy Thornton to supply loose furniture, with much of it bespoke, throughout the venue.
For the main restaurant area, the company manufactured special steel-framed refectory tables with chunky stripped pine tops and matching benches. It also supplied a large quantity of original chapel chairs which have been upholstered in distressed leather and placed with cast iron bistro tables.
In the more formal dining areas sumptuous button-backed leather side chairs in a mix of leather tones, have been combined with bespoke solid timber trestle-style tables. In the lounge area, meanwhile, a burgundy leather Chesterfield is the centrepiece by the cosy log-burner.
The focal point in the bar area is a large rectangular poseur table which seats 10 diners. This bespoke piece in a shabby-chic white finish and planked pine top is matched with specially-distressed industrial-style bar stools. Andy Thornton’s popular Draftsman’s bar stools have also been used, with art nouveau cast iron tables and farmhouse-style poseur tables.
“The Samuel Jones is a new concept for St Austell Brewery as we wanted to create a venue with a unique selection of craft beers and an innovative menu designed for customers to enjoy matching food with different beers,” says Adam Luck, estates director for St Austell Brewery.
“The quayside is a fantastic location and we look forward to playing a major part in the continued growth and resurgence of the area.”
