Tom Browns

Project Scope and Creative Challenge

The Tom Browns restaurant project in Gunthorpe represented one of Urban's most ambitious and creative undertakings, showcasing their ability to deliver multiple complex custom interiors within tight timelines while maintaining exceptional quality standards. This exciting refurbishment project required Urban to design, manufacture, and install three distinct custom bar areas, each with unique characteristics, while maintaining overall design cohesion throughout the venue.

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The project began when Tom Browns restaurant completely refurbished their popular Gunthorpe location, transforming it into a contemporary dining destination that would attract locals and visitors across the region. The restaurant's fit-out project management team, Parc Developments, sought a partner who could deliver exceptional craftsmanship within their ambitious timeline, leading them to Urban's proven track record of complex commercial installations.

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Collaborative Design Process

Urban's collaboration with People Architecture demonstrated their flexibility and professional approach to working with design teams. Rather than simply manufacturing to specifications, Urban contributed valuable manufacturing insights and translated 3D renders into precise technical drawings for their workshop team. This collaborative approach, combined with their advanced CNC machinery capabilities and bench joiner expertise, enabled the successful completion of all elements within the challenging 6-week timeline from measurement to delivery.

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The design collaboration process involved multiple stakeholder meetings, during which Urban's team reviewed the architectural concepts and provided feedback on manufacturing feasibility, cost optimisation, and timeline considerations. This input proved invaluable in refining the designs to achieve the desired aesthetic impact while ensuring practical manufacturing and installation processes.

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Downstairs Bar - Black and Gold Excellence

The downstairs bar showcased Urban's expertise in creating a dramatic visual impact through careful material selection and superior craftsmanship. Stained black and finished in dead matt lacquer, the solid ash fluted front panel required skilled bench joiner techniques and precise CNC machinery work to achieve the perfect fluted profile. Each flute was machined to specifications, ensuring consistent depth and spacing across the panel surface.

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The staining process required multiple applications and careful colour matching to achieve the rich black finish that would complement the restaurant's sophisticated interior design scheme. The dead matt lacquer finish provided protection and the desired aesthetic appearance while maintaining the natural wood texture, adding warmth to the space.

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Premium Materials and LED Integration

The solid ash bar top features LED lighting and a marble insert, with brushed brass finishing touches elevating the entire space. The LED lighting system was carefully planned and integrated during manufacturing, with channels routed using CNC machinery to accommodate the lighting elements while maintaining structural integrity. The marble insert required precise measurement and cutting to a perfect fit, demonstrating Urban's attention to detail and commitment to quality craftsmanship.

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The brushed brass finishing touches included custom-designed details that complemented the overall design scheme while providing functional elements such as foot rails and decorative accents. Each brass element was individually crafted and finished to achieve the desired appearance and durability of commercial hospitality use.

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Upstairs Bar Design and Curved Elements

The upstairs bar presented different challenges, featuring solid oak tops finished with dead matt lacquer and veneered curved arches to the bar front. The curved elements required sophisticated CNC machinery programming and expert craftsmanship to achieve smooth, consistent curves that would maintain their shape and appearance over time. The solid oak material was carefully selected for grain pattern and quality, ensuring that the finished surfaces would showcase the natural beauty of the wood.

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The veneering process for the curved arches required specialised techniques and equipment to achieve seamless application without defects or irregularities. Urban's bench joiner team applied their extensive experience and skill to ensure perfect results that would withstand the demanding environment of a busy restaurant.

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Custom Shelving and Lighting Features

The solid oak shelving to the rear features LED lighting and corner post details, proving that even functional elements could be transformed into design features. The shelving system was engineered to support significant weight while maintaining the elegant appearance required for the restaurant environment. Each shelf was individually crafted and finished to ensure consistency and quality.

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Entrance Host Desk Functionality

The host desk, designed to complement the bars, featured brushed steel panelling behind arched panels, demonstrating Urban's versatility in working with various materials and finishes. This element required coordination between multiple manufacturing processes and careful attention to detail to seamlessly integrate wood and metal elements.

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Project Management Excellence

This project's tender process and timeline management highlighted Urban's professional approach to complex commercial projects. Successfully delivering three custom bars plus additional furnishings within six weeks required exceptional project management, coordination with other trades, and efficient manufacturing processes that maximise productivity while maintaining quality standards.

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Quality control throughout the manufacturing process ensured that every component met Urban's exacting standards before leaving their workshop. Multiple inspection points and testing procedures verified that all elements would function properly and maintain their appearance under commercial use conditions.

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For clients seeking custom interiors that make a statement while meeting demanding operational requirements, the Tom Browns project showcases Urban's ability to deliver exceptional results under pressure while maintaining high standards, making for the trade and elevating interiors with bespoke solutions.

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Project Summary: Urban successfully delivered three custom bar installations at Tom Browns restaurant within a challenging 6-week timeline. This project was made by developers and demonstrated collaborative design expertise, advanced CNC manufacturing, and skilled craftsmanship across multiple unique bar designs featuring solid ash, oak, and integrated lighting systems.

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Are you planning a hospitality or restaurant project? Urban's experience in complex commercial fit-outs and ability to work under tight deadlines make us the perfect partner for your next venture. Contact us to discuss how we can elevate your hospitality space with bespoke solutions.