Located in the town of Ashbourne, the owners of The Machine Inn reached out to us at the Restaurant Show to discuss their exciting expansion plans. They were relocating from their existing restaurant to a larger space in the historic former NatWest Bank building, which had been vacant since 2017.

Designed by Rachel McLane Ltd, this new venue opened up the opportunity for a larger bar, increased restaurant capacity as well as the addition of the new hotel accommodation. The result is a premium look that maintains the same beloved style, enhancing the hospitality experience for their loyal customer base in this iconic location.

SOPHISTICATED BAR AMBIANCE

The bar area welcomes guests with a stunning mosaic floor featuring the logo at the entrance. A striking bar, complete with a clock integrated into the gantry, draws attention, while the illuminated back bar creates an inviting atmosphere. The green fluted velvet frontage adds a touch of elegance, complemented by brass highlights throughout the space. Cozy seating options, including chairs, stools, and sofas, provide a comfortable environment for patrons to relax and enjoy their experience.

PRIVATE VAULT DINING

We transformed the original bank vault into a unique private dining space, retaining the original vault doors despite their challenging nature. To enhance accessibility, we opened one of the walls to create a secondary entrance, making the space both functional and inviting. This transformation not only preserves the historical character of the vault but also adds an intriguing feature to the venue, offering guests a distinctive and exclusive dining experience.

ELEGANT DINING ATMOSPHERE

As you move through the bar toward the back of the building, you’ll discover the dining area. The main space features back-to-back banquet seating that divides the room, maximising the restaurant capacity. Additional booths and banquet seating fill the surrounding areas, complemented by oak timber walls. The mix of red leather and velvet banquet seating, along with white stone and dark oak tabletops, adds elegance, while a large mirror ceiling enhances the sense of space and light.

CENTRALISED KITCHEN DESIGN

Situated directly between the bar and restaurant area, the fully electric kitchen was designed with the building’s age in mind. We navigated specific planning constraints related to odour and noise attenuation, ensuring a comfortable environment for both diners and surrounding neighbours. To enhance efficiency, we also installed a open kitchen pass. This thoughtful design ensures seamless service while maintaining the high standards expected in a modern dining establishment.

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