Pitcher & Piano Bristol

Bar

Background

Our brief was to make it much more contemporary and more relevant to the current market and also to create an environment that would increase the potential to improve food sales.

We were also aiming for an environment that a whole range of customers would want to be in between 12 noon and 2am. We created a completely new layout and put together a nice sympathetic mixture of new and old elements bespoke to Pitcher & Piano.

Our Solution

One of the most striking features of the transformed Bristol venue is the introduction of eight mature olive trees – six outside and two inside – which have proved to be a real talking point.

We wanted features that were large and sculptural but we also wanted something natural, and the trees were perfect. The plant company carried out a survey and found there was enough light and water in the building for something organic and natural. At certain times of year they will bear fruit.

Some of the greater challenges faced were presented by the three large floor voids. Two of these were filled in to create greater square footage and to give the venue a better flow for customers. Part of the challenge was maintaining the natural light levels.

Results

The project took six months to plan and the team spent three weeks on site. The results speak for themselves. Takings overall are up by 20%. Customer feedback has been very positive, whether it is on Twitter, Facebook, or face-to-face with the staff.

Bristol is now Marston’s best performing bar in terms of food sales. Wet and food used to be a 90% – 10% balance. It is now approaching 50-50, through the week, which for this sort of operation is massive news.

There is a total of 21 Pitcher & Pianos in England and Wales. Based on refurbishments of 10 bars in the past 12 months, there has been a 105% return on the investment. Monteith Scott PLAY has been given the task of continuing their evolution.