Commercial architectural and interior design practice, Innex Design, has completed a newly-acquired Amber Taverns establishment as part of its ongoing relationship with the award-winning pub company. The Tap & Tanner in Walsall, West Midlands – which was formerly known as Varsity – has undergone a major refurbishment with a total investment in the region of £750,000.
Amber Taverns acquired The Tap & Tanner in March of this year, and after recognising its unfulfilled potential, briefed Innex Design to provide a layout and interior that would cater for a distinct day and evening trade offering. The nine-week project, which was completed in July, has been met with positive reviews from customers and the trade industry.
The building is set within the town centre conservation area of Walsall. As such, close dialogue with the town planners was necessary to ensure statutory approval for an ambitious proposal – to remove the glazed pitched roof trading area and relocate toilets to form an open courtyard with feature glazing perimeter.
The soft furnishings have been replaced to bring the interior up to date, providing a cleaner, more contemporary feel to complement the pub’s target daytime trade. Large TVs and screens provide sports and music entertainment throughout the venue. For the evening customer, meanwhile, Innex Design has introduced a feature audio and visual entertainment system. The distinctive bar and backfitting complete the transformation.
The pub’s decor features a number of themed images of Walsall and makes a nod to the local leather industry with its wall-hung hides. The area’s history is also reflected by a change of name to The Tap & Tanner.
Chris Catelani at Innex Design comments: “The pub had a great space that was not being used to its best potential. We redesigned the interior to not only bring it up to date but to make the most of every inch, creating a whole new outdoor area which is a great asset to any establishment. We specialise in bringing old pubs up to date while maintaining their heritage, and this was a classic example of that.”
Bryan Wardman, joint managing director at Amber Taverns, adds: “We have worked with Innex Design for several years, and they produce innovative designs that match the brief and always deliver the developments on time and on budget.”
Innex Design is an award-winning Warrington-based architectural and interior designer that has worked with Amber Taverns since its formation in 2005, and prior to that with the Amber management since 1991. The company also has an office in Richmond, London, and boasts a varied portfolio of commercial developments and refurbishments.
