Restaurant Designer takes seat at Top Table

Retford Times - Thursday 10th November 2011

Design firm's interior is best in the country

An East Drayton interior designer has been decorated with a prestigious award after fighting off competition from across Britain.

It was a night of major celebration for local interior design consultancy Jamie Hempsall Ltd as the cream of the industry gathered at The Lancaster London Hotel in the capital.

Companies were there to hear the announcement of the winners of the hotly contested UK Property Awards; the world’s most prestigious property competition.

Jamie Hempsall Ltd not only won Best Leisure Interior for Nottinghamshire for Barkers Restaurant at Clumber Park, but then beat all other competition to win Best Leisure Interior for the UK.

Richard Bond, Managing Director, said, “We are still reeling from the excitement of it all and the realisation that a local company and a local project have been judged to be the best in the UK.

"There was some sensational competition which makes it an even greater accolade for us.”

Jamie Hempsall Ltd was approached last year to develop the design for the National Trust’s first-ever fine dining restaurant. Located in the heart of Clumber Park, Barkers Restaurant is situated within the former Head Gardener’s House, overlooking the Walled Kitchen Garden.

Jamie Hempsall, Design Director, is rightly enthusiastic about the project, “We created a classic, contemporary design that feels as though you have been invited into someone’s rather comfortable home.

"It was a brave concept for the National Trust team who briefed us not to develop a historic recreation. We have used sumptuous fabrics and wallpapers from British designers to create a luxurious, yet warm, welcoming feel."

Beth Dawson, General Manager for the National Trust in Nottinghamshire said: 'Barkers has breathed new life into this elegant former Head Gardener's house and is a wonderful celebration of how contemporary design can enhance our built heritage.

"All the work at Barkers has been carried out by local contractors and showcases the best of craftsmanship. It’s great to receive this award and it is testimony that we have created something special for everyone.'

The restaurant serves morning coffee, lunches, afternoon teas and evening meals on a Friday and Saturday and has just been named 12th in the Times 30 Best Places for Sunday Lunch.

The team at Jamie Hempsall Ltd are now on tenterhooks as the project progresses forward as the UK entry for the International Property Awards that take place on 12th December at the Savoy in London.