The Background

Chester Zoo has now opened the doors to the historic home of its founder George Mottershead inside the zoo ground. Following a £3 million refurbishment, the 1885 Victorian country house has been transformed into a gastropub - The Oakfield.

The Grade II listed building was originally acquired by a wealthy Liverpool tea merchant and form Lord mayor of Chester Benjamin Chafers Roberts. During the First World War, it was let to Belgian refugees and used as a hospital. George Mottershead, who served in the Battle of The Somme, bought the house in 1930.

The Challenge

It was important for the designers, Spatialized, to preserve the building's rich heritage and complement its original Victorian features.

The vision to create a home from home feel, where diners could relax in the Mottershead's former library or enjoy a meal in the rooms which were once both a family home and the functioning centre of the zoo.

The lighting was an important part of the overall brief and Spatialized chose Chantelle Lighting to reflect the grandeur of the Grade II building.

We were commissioned by design agency Spatialized to provide lighting which would meet the brief and offer a truly memorable experience for all who visited the new eaterie.

The Solution

Spatialized were looking for a feature chandelier to hang above the bar area, surrounded by large stained glass windows and a gallery first-floor walkway. We create a 2000mm 48-arm brushed nickel chandelier with 48 candle bulbs and painted candle grips; a simple, yet striking piece which complements the history of the building to perfection.

Three eight-arm black chandeliers hang above tables in the restaurant's Garden Room, A stunning new addition to the original red brick build, which opens the building out onto the expansive Oakfield lawn area. Tiffany inspired table and floor lamps complete the Garden Rooms' relaxed vibe.

The same Tiffany-look lamps decorate the Library Room, alongside brushed nickel wall light with green oval shades.

A vintage style five-light pendant is the centrepiece for the boardroom, complemented by brushed nickel wall lights, with decorative frame and clear glass shades.

Traditional brushed pewter picture lights adorn the building's walkways and rustic six-light French style pendant in mole brown bring glamour to the loos!

The theme continued into the Reception Room where a traditional style 12 arm pendant in an antique cream finish with candle drips invitingly hung and aged brass floor lamps with tapered silk shade invited guests into the venue.

Functional light was supplied in key areas such as 1-metre track lighting up the bar area and AR111 spotlights illuminating the entrance.

The Result

The vision of a home from home has been captured throughout the venue and our lighting was a key element in creating this overall effect.