RBH Hospitality Management’s Capital Projects Team has led the way on a full refurbishment of Crowne Plaza London Docklands’ newly renamed Fremantle Bar & Kitchen restaurant following their recommendation to undertake the exciting project last year.

Located in the heart of London’s historic Royal Docks, the hotel was originally constructed in 2003 as part of a transformation and redevelopment plan to revitalise the area into a vibrant and dynamic destination. With its prime spot on the banks of the Thames, the property boasts extensive public spaces with panoramic views across the river, ideal for creating a social hub to gather and connect for a refreshing drink or indulge in a culinary feast.

Prior to commencing the project, RBH commissioned extensive research into local demographics and the general area which highlighted a need for a stylish new bar and restaurant concept more suited to the old-world charm and modern vibrancy of the neighbourhood and its many visitors. The primary objective was to entice hotel guests, passers-by and local residents in to socialise and relax.

Out with the old…

The existing obstructive layout and dated corporate colours of the bar and restaurant were at odds with the more popular open plan and communal way of socialising today. With the restaurant area separated by a sizable wine display unit, which meant that for much of the day the restaurant lay empty after breakfast, and with a large central island in the original bar area, the room felt divided, and a significant amount of space regularly went unused.

With Lesley Annison as Project Manager, and following initial discussions at the start of 2023, the open plan design concept was agreed with designers Bell & Swift with the overarching theme of connection. The design maximised the potential of the public areas, transforming them into a welcoming and social destination with functionality at its core, whilst making the most of the ‘shop front’ glazed frontage to advertise that this is an interesting place to be explored when glancing in from the street.

RBH compiled a detailed brief which considered the substantial list of operational requirements from the hotel team, IHG brand requirements and input from the hotel owners. The owners were involved in the design process throughout, contributing to all design decisions from fabrics and furniture specifications to the sustainability of the overall design. Notably, one of their main requests was the addition of greenery to bring the place alive. Following an extensive tender process, RBH appointed PDS Group as the main contractor, and work began on site in January 2024 for 12 weeks, completing a day ahead of schedule.

Style with substance

The success of the final design explores the history of the Royal Docks whilst embracing the unmistakable sense of excitement and innovation seen in the area over the last two decades. The new layout considered the customer journey through the space to ensure the ease of transitioning from one area to the next. The choice FF&E to include high-backed booths are a nod to Victorian engineering and the industrial skyline seen from the restaurant and provide clear zones that maximise all available space. The clever use of planting and portable screens offers the flexibility to create separate, more private areas if required to suit the varying needs of customers.

The result: a sophisticated and inviting environment that provides a serene locale perfectly suited to modern day life at the Royal Docks.

Culinary craftsmanship

Offering a complete in-house solution for owners, RBH’s Group Director of Food & Beverage, Will Macpherson worked alongside the Capital Project Team to consult on the profitable delivery of an entirely new F&B offering – Australasian inspired dining. Once the epicentre for trading in grains and spices, the new restaurant draws upon the influences of one of its longstanding trading partners – Australia.

Looking to Australasia as a dining destination that riffs on culinary combinations from the Mediterranean, Middle East, Asia and South America, Will worked closely with the restaurant team to bring the sense of adventure and innovation to life through menus full of colour, flavour and contrasts.

Will commented:

“We’re focused on boosting profitability for the hospitality businesses we partner with, and we’re confident that Fremantle Bar & Kitchen will successfully increase F&B revenue at the hotel by bringing something completely new to hotel guests and customers living, working and visiting Docklands / E16.”

RBH successfully appointed and managed multiple partners and suppliers throughout the project to include:

Cost consultants and principal designers: NBM
Brand development: IHG
Interior designers: Bell & Swift
Main contractor: PDS Group
Furniture suppliers: Satelliet UK
Lighting suppliers: Astro Lighting, Chantelle Lighting, Chelsom Lighting, David Village Lighting. Ferm Living, Nest, Lightzey, R&S Robertson, Star Lighting.
Planting supplier: Fredericks of London
Catering equipment: Millers Catering
OSE supplier: Lockharts
Bar equipment: Servaclean
Signage: Astley Signs
Curtain Supplier: BTS
Artwork & accessories: Studio 2C
Concept Creation: Indie Consulting
Brand/Graphic Designers: Sort Design