Newcastle design business leaves customers sitting pretty

6th April 2009, 2:34pm

Two Newcastle businesses have picked up prestigious awards thanks to the vision of a local interior design company, which specialises in the licensed industry.

Pan Haggerty and Barluga both received accolades at the North East Restaurant Awards held last month after their creative interiors were designed by Newcastle-based Fluid Design Solutions.

Focusing on inventive interior schemes for bars, pubs, restaurants and nightclubs, Fluid Design Solutions spent months designing and fitting the interior of both venues to reflect their expected clientele.

Pan Haggerty which opened in October 2008 at the famous 21 Queen Street address won the 'Best New Restaurant' award. The title, which was voted for by the public, was judged on criteria including décor and ambience, whilst Barluga won the award for 'Best Interior'.

Mike Morley, joint owner of Pan Haggerty thinks it was no coincidence that the newly fitted interior influenced his customers when voting.

He said: "I think it has definitely contributed to our success as Fluid created a contemporary interior where diners feel relaxed and can really enjoy the food. We wanted a stylish yet informal setting and I think that the interior really reflects this.

"The restaurant has achieved great success in its opening months and I am sure that Fluid's excellent interior design has contributed to this."

Director of Fluid Design Solutions, Dave King believes that the interior of both venues has definitely played a huge part in their popularity amongst customers.

He says: "Interior design is crucial for the leisure industry as part of the overall customer experience. When working on the interior for Pan Haggerty we had to look at their key values. Their ethos is good, hearty British cooking brought bang up-to-date and they really deliver on this. 

"We took this on board and aimed to reflect the values of the restaurant in the decor. We kept it simple with bare brick walls, simple and comfortable chairs and local photography on the walls to reflect the locality of the dishes."

Hannah Martin, general manager of Barluga added: "To win an award for the bar's creative interior is one thing, but to win an award voted for by the public is even better. Our customers regularly comment on how stylish the bar and restaurant are and I think this really does contribute to our reputation and repeat custom."

Rob Collins, director of The North East Restaurant Awards adds: "Both awards are testament to the fact that customers really do take notice of their surroundings. A well thought out interior can really boost sales and encourage customers through the door."

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