The Norfolk Arms was a well established local point of village life in the centre of Grenoside, on the northern side of Sheffield. Sadly, like many local pubs, due to poor management and lack of investment the pub finally closed its doors in early 2015. In late 2016 the property became available to Stancil Brewery on a short term lease and having done such a sterling job for them with The Horse and Jockey they asked me to design the interior and develop the branding.

I wanted to re-establish The Norfolk at the centre of village life and give it a vibrant cosy atmosphere. The design is based around a contemporary country pub with a traditional concept that I use regularly; The Tap, a harder edged area with a working class, masculine vibe and The Lounge, as a softer, enlightened feminine side.

The bar area, essentially became the tap room with harder surfaces, industrial lighting and a few nods to local agricultural industries and working practices. The lounge was split in two, one at either end of the pub. They represent the appetites and pastimes of the local gentry, with shooting and fishing as a topic and some very subdued tweeds and tartans for the sophisticated country look.

The Norfolk is once again a thriving hub and despite the limited budget and short term of the tenancy, this has become one of my most praised, most talked about and most successful transformations to date – long live The Norfolk!