Our Recreations range of GWR themed tableware has been featured in PIR Hospitality Business Magazine. Read on for the full text of the article, or visit our Recreations site to browse and buy from the range.
Occasionally history and fashion combine to result in something inspiring and original in its effect. One such recent example has been the emergence of Centenary Lounge a 1930s themed bistro based in the heart of Birmingham’s commercial and retail sectors – an ideal stopping off point whether you are a busy commuter or just out for a days shopping. Centenary Lounge forms an integral part of Moor Street Station which is a feeder station to the main New Street rail complex in the city. The facility is housed within the original Moor Street buildings built in 1909 but which have recently been fully refurbished as part of an ongoing redevelopment of the Great Western Railways heritage at the complex. The project has been lead by Birmingham based restaurateur Aasia Baig who has a keen eye for detail and a passion for authenticity. Such has been the interest generated in the Centenary Lounge that it played host to Radio 5 live breakfast show in April 2010, when the now Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne was interviewed following the election debate held in Birmingham .
As Aasia explains “Centenary Lounge represented a real challenge to reproduce the ambiance and style of the 1930s when the GWR was in its hey day which had to be combined with the quality and standards required to operate in today’s food and beverage industry. Clearly there are many facets to address when trying to create something which is essentially “retro” and there has been a lot of help and support provided in this regard – however, one of the most important aspects when creating an eating establishment is the selection of tableware. It was essential to have something which matched the era although it was unlikely to be available off the shelf. In my search for this product I discovered a pottery business based in Stoke on Trent called Little Red Hen who specialise in the supply of bespoke tableware.
“The decoration process relies upon the traditional hand crafted skills for which the Potteries is famous and the results are quite stunning. The laurel pattern and GWR logo is relatively uncomplicated but the black design on white china recreates the original design to great effect. I should add this was only made possible by agreement with the National Museum of Science and Industry who control the copyright. With the success of Centenary Lounge now established it is my intention to expand further into hospitality related businesses and I can see that the appeal of bespoke decorated tableware is something that can be used to great effect. Clearly our actions have been well received as Centenary Lounge was short listed for a National Railway Heritage Award and the tableware has been endorsed by Sir William McAlpine”.
The Centenary Lounge experience provides some assurance that there is still hopefully a niche for traditional skills within the UK ceramics industry although the days of large scale production are long gone. For further information regarding the GWR range of tableware you can view this online at www.recreationsbycl.co.uk.
