Northern Design Awards Winner - The Orange Tree Congleton.
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- Dec 13, 2024
- 3 min read
At IMD, we are proud to celebrate the recognition of our work on The Orange Tree in Congleton, a project that won the prestigious Northern Design Award for Best Restaurant and Dining Project (above £750,000) in November 2024. This stunning transformation of a Grade II listed Georgian building exemplifies our expertise in hospitality interior design and listed building refurbishment, blending heritage with contemporary elegance.
Breathing New Life into The Orange Tree
Originally built as Mortlake House in the late 18th century, The Orange Tree was once the country residence of John Bulkeley Johnson, a prominent banker and philanthropist from Congleton. Over the centuries, the property had fallen into disrepair, losing much of its original charm and grandeur.
When the Parogon Group acquired the property to create a sister site to their popular Orange Tree in Stoke, they envisioned a design that restored the building’s historical elegance while creating an exceptional, modern hospitality space. IMD was entrusted with this ambitious project, drawing on our expertise in architectural interior design to meet the challenge of restoring a Georgian landmark.
Restoring Georgian Glamour
The design concept was inspired by the ‘Georgian Glamour’ synonymous with the building’s late 18th-century origins. Every detail of the project was carefully considered to ensure that the venue reflected both its historical heritage and Parogon Group’s vision for a sophisticated dining experience.
Key Restoration Features:
• Architectural Details Reinstated:
We painstakingly restored original elements, including the elliptical staircase, ceiling roses, and intricate mouldings, bringing back the building’s lost grandeur.
• Enhanced Kitchen Facilities:
The kitchen was extended to support the high standards of modern hospitality, seamlessly integrated without compromising the building’s historic character.
• Large Sash Windows:
These iconic features were restored to flood the interiors with natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.
Designing for Elegance and Atmosphere
Our approach to hospitality interior design embraced the interplay of light, colour, and texture to create a space that is both luxurious and welcoming. The design team used bold, rich paint colours and carefully curated furnishings to achieve a balance of warm and cool tones.
The result is a sophisticated yet vibrant setting that offers guests an unforgettable dining experience. By marrying the historical integrity of the property with contemporary elegance, we created a venue that feels both timeless and modern.
A Historical Landmark Reimagined
The Orange Tree’s transformation also honours its storied past. Once surrounded by five acres of meadowland, the property was a symbol of Georgian elegance and prestige. Our design celebrates this heritage, ensuring that its listed building refurbishment remained true to its historical significance.
At the same time, the venue has been thoughtfully adapted for its new purpose as a modern restaurant and bar, meeting the needs of today’s hospitality industry while respecting its rich history.
Why This Project Stands Out
The Orange Tree is more than just a beautifully designed venue—it’s a testament to the power of thoughtful restoration and inspired restaurant design. This project demonstrates how historical architecture can be reimagined to create extraordinary spaces that captivate and delight.
Winning the Northern Design Award is a reflection of our commitment to excellence in architectural interior design and our ability to bring unique hospitality visions to life.
Experience the Atmosphere of The Orange Tree
The Orange Tree in Congleton has become a true landmark, offering diners a setting that is as memorable as the food and drink it serves. Whether you’re drawn by the elegant interiors, the fascinating history, or the award-winning design, this venue is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates exceptional hospitality interior design. You can book a table here - The Orange Tree
Let IMD Transform Your Vision
At IMD, we specialise in creating extraordinary spaces that combine style, function, and history. From listed building refurbishments to cutting-edge restaurant design, our work is driven by a passion for excellence. If you’re looking to transform your hospitality venue, we’d love to hear from you.
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