Lord Nelson Pub – Revitalizing a Historic Gem with a Modern Trade Kitchen

Kitchen Design and Build for Shepherd Neame’s Riverside Pub

Project Overview

The Lord Nelson Pub, dating back to 1805, is a cherished landmark, and its restoration presented a perfect opportunity to blend the building’s rich history with modern updates. Located in a picturesque riverside area, the pub is not only a local favorite but also a part of the community’s heritage. When Shepherd Neame, a long-time and valued client of ours, approached us to design and build a new trade kitchen, we were excited to be part of reviving this historic establishment.

The goal was to modernize the kitchen and bring it up to current standards while retaining the unique charm of the pub. The final result is a seamless fusion of contemporary functionality with the character of the building, which is now ready to serve locals and visitors alike.

Scope of Work

Our involvement in this project included the design and installation of the trade kitchen, working closely with the main contractor who handled the kitchen’s structural formation. Below is a detailed breakdown of the work carried out:

Kitchen Formation

The main contractor for the project was tasked with the initial formation of the kitchen space, including the addition of wall cladding and slip-resistant flooring to ensure safety and cleanliness. These essential elements were completed prior to the installation of our equipment, providing a solid foundation for the kitchen’s fit-out.

Trade Kitchen Design and Build

• Extraction Canopy & Ductwork:
  We designed and built a custom extraction canopy to handle the high demands of a busy kitchen. The canopy was installed with external ductwork, ensuring that smoke, steam, and cooking odors are effectively removed from the kitchen, creating a comfortable working environment for the staff.

Commercial Kitchen Equipment

Once the extraction system was in place, our team collaborated with appliance installers to ensure the kitchen was fully equipped with top-tier commercial kitchen equipment:

• Blue Seal Cooking Equipment:
  Heavy-duty Blue Seal appliances, known for their durability and performance, were installed, including ranges, ovens, and cooking hobs. This equipment is designed to withstand the high demands of a busy pub kitchen, ensuring reliability and efficiency.

• Hoshizaki Refrigeration:
  To meet the refrigeration needs of the pub’s kitchen, we installed Hoshizaki energy-efficient refrigerators, which provide excellent temperature control while minimizing energy usage, making them both environmentally and economically beneficial.

Additional Kitchen Installations

• Maidaid Dishwasher:
  A high-performance Maidaid dishwasher was installed to handle the pub’s dishwashing needs, ensuring quick, efficient, and hygienic washing of kitchenware and utensils.

• Maidaid Glasswasher:
  A Maidaid glasswasher was added to the bar area to ensure clean glasses are always ready for service, an essential for maintaining high service standards.

• Ice Machine:
  A large ice machine was installed in the cellar, providing an abundant supply of ice for drinks service.

Outcome and Impact

The Lord Nelson Pub reopened on 14th February 2020 after undergoing its renovation, and it quickly regained its popularity as a vibrant riverside pub. The newly installed kitchen allows the pub’s team to operate smoothly, prepare meals efficiently, and meet the growing demand from customers. The combination of modern equipment, efficient workflow, and stylish design has created a kitchen that fits seamlessly within the pub’s historic charm.

We are proud to have been part of this project and are confident that Nigel & Chris, the pub’s landlords, and their dedicated team will continue to see great success with this revitalized venue.

Key Features & Highlights

• Custom-designed extraction canopy and external ductwork

• Blue Seal heavy-duty cooking equipment

• Hoshizaki energy-efficient refrigeration

• Maidaid dishwasher and glasswasher

• Large ice machine for bar and cellar use

• Seamless blend of historic charm and modern functionality