Leicestershire-based independent pub group The Orange Tree has unveiled plans for its latest venue at the site of the former Newshouse in Bedford Square, Loughborough.
The team plans to rename the late-night bar, and hopes to create a nightspot which will boost the local area and bring something unique to the social life of Loughborough.
The proposals include adding a leafy roof-top terrace, introducing the feeling of more height to the ground floor by extending windows on the front of the property, and creating an area on the first floor which has a cosy feel.
They also plan to reinstate original features such as fire places and old oak beams, as well as reclaimed panelling.
Plans have just been submitted to Charnwood Borough Council for the scheme, which is expected to cost more than £¼ million.
“We opened The Orange Tree in Loughborough in 1998, and as an independent operator with strong roots in the town, we are aiming to put together a special ambience that enhances the current night life of Loughborough,” said Gareth Smith, managing director of The Orange Tree Group.
“We’ve worked hard to put together proposals which we hope will be well received. We are planning to create three different areas in the venue, which will include dancing downstairs, chilled and relaxed, cosy house-type rooms upstairs and a leafy roof terrace.
“We will be using a mix of modern and old materials to give an intimate, yet striking style.
“We’ve noticed a lot of fantastic bars cropping up in and around London and they have a style that’s reminiscent of the speakeasy bars of the American ‘20s, but they offer both great cocktails and fun dancing, and this has been really inspirational to us when trying to create this bar.
“The idea is that the bar will be a late-night venue, opening a certain number of nights a week. If all goes well, we hope to be open by November 2012.”
Gareth is involved with the Loughborough Retail Initiative in the Wards End area, and hopes that this new unique offer will help to keep the area alive and popular.
The three-storey building was previously a nightspot, and before that a newsagents. It’s planned that it will be given a new name, as well as a new image.
“We are aiming to appeal to an eclectic mix of people who take pleasure from our quirky style and décor, and people who enjoy a high-quality drinks offer and service,” added Gareth.
The existing ground-floor layout is likely to remain, but will be opened up slightly to create more space. Cosy booths are due to be added, with a DJ and dancing area to the back of the room.
The group opened The Orange Tree in Loughborough in 1998, a year after launching The Orange Tree in Leicester. This was followed by the O Bar in Leicester in 2001. The group’s Orange Tree in Nottingham opened in October 2003, followed by The Lansdowne in Leicester in December 2004. Last year it took over and refurbished The Basement in Leicester – its first late-night venue.
The independent pub group was founded by Ben Hings and Gareth Smith in October 1997.
www.orangetree.co.uk
Issued by Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk
