Why design matters in pubs - a personal note
When I took on The Ship in Bishop’s Sutton, I wasn’t just taking on a business — I was taking on a building with history, a community hub, and a chance to do something I deeply care about: create a space that feels genuinely good to be in.
As both the owner and an interior designer, I approached this project with a slightly different mindset. I wasn’t just thinking about margins and menus — I was thinking about how people would feel the moment they walked through the door. Because to me, great pubs aren’t just about what’s on tap — they’re about atmosphere, comfort, and character.
More Than Just a Pub
Let’s be honest: pubs have changed. Today’s guests don’t just come in for a drink — they come to meet friends, work remotely, enjoy a quiet moment, bring the kids, celebrate milestones, or just get a change of scene. That shift in how we use pubs is exactly why design matters more than ever.
At The Ship, I wanted to create something that still felt like a proper village pub, but that also quietly catered to how people live now. Warm, natural materials. Light that changes with the day. Furniture you can sink into. Spaces that flex — for a solo coffee, a long lunch, or a busy Friday night with neighbours.
A Design That Feels Effortless — But Isn’t
Design shouldn’t shout. It should support. That was the guiding principle when I redesigned the interiors at The Ship. Every finish, colour and texture was chosen to feel welcoming, familiar, and calming — like it’s always been there.
We kept as much of the original character as possible, then layered in natural tones, tactile fabrics, and considered lighting. We zoned the space to create cosy corners and open areas. And we focused on how people actually use the space — whether they’re popping in for 10 minutes or staying for hours.
The end result? A space that (hopefully) feels effortless — but is working really hard behind the scenes to make people feel at home.
What People Want Now
What I’ve learned from both designing and running The Ship is this: guests notice everything. They might not always comment on the wall finish or the curve of a chair, but they feel it. They know when a space has been created with intention.
People today want: Spaces that feel genuine and rooted in place and Interiors that are welcoming, not overdesigned - That’s what I aimed for at The Ship.
Design Isn’t a Luxury — It’s a Strategy
Here’s something I wish more people realised: investing in design isn’t about making things ‘look nice.’ It’s about creating an experience. And that experience has a direct impact on how long people stay, how often they return, and how warmly they talk about your space to others.
Design affects service flow, staff comfort, acoustics, lighting, mood — everything that shapes the customer experience. It’s not fluff. It’s function.
Final Thoughts
For me, The Ship is more than just a pub. It’s a place to gather, to slow down, to feel rooted. And I truly believe that thoughtful, human-centred design is a big part of what makes that happen.
If you’ve been to The Ship, I hope you’ve felt it too — that little sense of ease when you walk in. If you haven’t yet, we’d love to welcome you.