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The Blue Lion Public House, Church Road, Witherley, Atherstone.

The Blue Lion is an independent public house in Witherley, Atherstone. The pub recently reopened following a refurbishment. Within the refurbishment, The Blue Lion provided a brief to R and R architects to create a more welcoming and social feel for their guests during their visit.

Working closely with R and R Architects in Tamworth, Synergy Building Design Limited helped create a more open plan styled bar and lounge area. Following a major internal overhaul during the pub’s refurbishment, Synergy were responsible for the following design solutions:

  • Ensuring structural support in bar area: with the architectural drawings representing an open bar area, it was imperative the new area be structurally sound. Synergy’s solution was to initiate 8 steel beams to support the structure of the open bar area
  • Dining areas: A large part of the structural walls were removed with the new open plan. 2 king post trusses were installed in the dining areas to maintain structural support.
  • Support bearings: Masonry checks were provided to support bearings throughout the open bar area.

Throughout the project, Synergy Building Design Limited were on hand to ensure the contractors had the best bespoke advice they required. This ensured the 18th century buildings remained stable during both their construction and post construction.

Following the successful structural and architectural changes, The Blue Lion now benefit from a more open plan, social space. This has created a brighter, warmer and more sociable space for visiting guests.

Since the original conversion of the public house, a number of conversions have been made to the barns that surround the beer garden. The outhouses have been refurbished and converted into sleeping accommodation. The conversions have meant an increased revenue and quick return on investment as The Blue Lion now have the space to run a bed and breakfast.

Client: The Blue Lion Inn, Witherley, Atherstone
Architect: R&R Architects, The Manor House, Tamworth