Mary Gilhooley’s was an old run down pub stripped of anything Irish except for the dark wall colours and timber turned chairs. Featuring beer stained carpet, pokey rooms and low ceilings, it was needless to say,the designers had their work cut out for them. However, the new owners were willing to take a chance on re-vamping the tired and run down interiors. Inspired by the university student atmosphere, local community and live music scene, Joshua Bacon Design proposed a fresh new eclectic taste to liven up this once traditional Irish pub.
Joshua Bacon Design lowered the floors to the pre-flood level and combined rooms creating a split level design with open circulation space where the downstairs area becomes a focal point. A multi functional space which could change throughout the day from schnitzel lunches to afternoon beers then barramundi with wine to live entertainment! The new bi-fold windows open the space to natural light, and allows for an element of people watching. The columns, lighting, wallpaper, wall colours and stained timber finishes add a sense of individuality to each and every seating position.
Located in Lismore, the project required a close working relationship with the builder (Wade & Wotherspoon) and client (Pelathon). This healthy and open line of communication was essential in creating an ego free, professional environment where creative effort and technical skill came together to create an outcome that all parties are extremely happy with. The new refurbishment has retained existing clientele and brought in a new demographic which has lead to Mary G’s reclaiming its position as “the hot spot in town”
In keeping with the concept of the new design, Joshua Bacon Design chose a selection of material suppliers that would support the eclectic, student and modern bar atmosphere. They strove to achieve a high level of attention to detail when it came to material applications and finishes, with respect to meeting timelines and budgetary restrictions.