The Sherborne (Sherborne House)
Restaurant, Event Space, Sculpture Park, Art Gallery and Meeting Space
Intro
In the heart of Dorset, The Sherborne, formerly known as Sherborne House, re-opened to the public in spring 2024 after an extensive refurbishment. Acquired by The Sherborne Trust in October 2018, this Grade I Georgian house has been meticulously restored, blending historical charm with modern elegance. The venue now serves multiple purposes, including arts exhibitions, event spaces, open-plan workspaces, and two bars with a kitchen that offers high-quality, honest food in a relaxed setting.
The Sherborne Trust led the ambitious project to breathe new life into the neglected building. The refurbishment aimed to preserve the house's historical features while adding a modern extension with a grand pavilion. Tailor Made, involved from the inception, collaborated with the trust, architects, and contractors to design and implement a state-of-the-art kitchen and bar areas, emphasizing high attention to detail and functionality.
The Journey
The Sherborne House project was funded by the late Michael Cannon, a successful entrepreneur who wanted to give something back to the local community. The project has been a labour of love involving a mixture of refurbing and renovating as well as incorporating new. After a couple of site meetings and a visit by Jeremy (Sherborne's Commercial Director) to the Tailor Made offices (where we introduced Jeremy to our team over a nice cup of Yorkshire Tea) we established the beginnings of a trusted relationship. Following which, Jeremy decided that we were the correct fit for his project and would provide the attention and indeed passion that it deserved. Tailor Made were then introduced to the close-knit group of contractors and partners that worked together on this project, the friendly relationship that has built over the course of a couple of years is one of the reasons the project has been such a success. Tailor Made have been involved in the project from winter 2021, working alongside the trust, the architects and the principal contractor to create an exceptional kitchen and two bars, with a meticulous attention to detail. The project's scope was extensive and multifaceted, reflecting the complexity of modernizing a historic building while meeting contemporary needs.
Key aspects of the project included:
Coordination and Delivery; the successful execution of the project involved the detailed coordination of 318 light equipment kitchen ancillaries and 64 pieces of heavy catering equipment. Each component was sourced, delivered, and installed with precision, ensuring that all elements of the kitchen and bar were integrated seamlessly.
Design Revisions; the project necessitated 29 extensive design revisions for the kitchen and 19 for the bar, demonstrating the dynamic nature of the project and the team's commitment to accommodating evolving requirements. These revisions underscored the meticulous attention to detail and adaptability required to meet the project's high standards.
Financial Planning; the development and management of 25 individual project quotes highlighted the comprehensive planning and financial oversight that were integral to the project's success. This process ensured that budgeting was aligned with the project's scope and objectives.
Supplier Engagement; engaging with 21 different suppliers was a critical component of the project, involving the sourcing and delivery of a wide range of components essential to the kitchen and bar’s functionality. This collaboration was crucial in ensuring that all materials and equipment met the required specifications and quality standards.
Installation Phases; the project was executed in 6 distinct installation phases, each carefully planned and managed to ensure timely and efficient setup. This phased approach allowed for a structured and organised implementation, minimising disruption and facilitating a smooth transition through to opening.
Kitchen
The kitchen is a testament to both modern innovation and historical appreciation. At its centre, a striking mural graces the space, an accurately crafted replica of the original artwork from 1569 that adorned the kitchen walls. This artistic touch not only honour’s the building's rich heritage but also seamlessly integrates with the contemporary design, framed by an MKN modular cooking suite and a Synergy chargrill.
The pizza section of the kitchen stands out as a focal point of both functionality and efficiency. Equipped with a Marra Forni oven, this area is designed for optimal performance. Bespoke refrigeration includes a raised pan chiller and specialist dough storage for convenience below, while the Locher dough roller facilitates smooth and efficient pizza preparation. This section is tailored to cater to the needs of both the internal restaurant and the expansive external terraced area, particularly during the bustling summer months.
In terms of refrigeration, the Precision cabinets offer ample storage space to keep ingredients fresh and accessible. Meanwhile, the Meiko dishwasher, featuring advanced heat recovery technology, ensures reliable and efficient ware washing, contributing to the kitchen's overall operational efficiency.
A particularly noteworthy event was the highly successful training day organized in January 2024 for the new chefs, George and Jose. Tailor Made played a crucial role in this event, arranging a comprehensive demonstration of the new cooking suite from MKN and the chargrill by Synergy. MKN’s involvement extended beyond this initial training, with their team returning on several occasions to provide further expertise as the menu development process progressed.
Additionally, training on the pizza oven was conducted, with detailed guidance provided by Marra Forni. Meiko also demonstrated the dishwasher's advanced features, ensuring that the kitchen staff were fully equipped to handle the demands of a busy service. This thorough and hands-on training has laid a strong foundation for the chefs, enabling them to maximize the potential of the kitchen's state-of-the-art equipment and deliver exceptional culinary experiences.
One of the standout moments of this project was attending the building site Christmas party and sitting 'Game of Thrones' style across lined-up decorators' tables, sharing a buffet-style Christmas dinner. Regardless of stature or job title, all participants were involved and sat together as one team. Unfortunately, this was the last face-to-face conversation with the late Michael Cannon. With the kitchen handed over to the talented team of chefs, it was first used in March 2024 to host the Michael Cannon Memorial Dinner.
Bar and Servery Areas
The real showpiece of the new, modern extension is the vast pavilion which plays host to large events and weddings. Applying our expertise in bar design and manufacture we created a statement feature in both the pavilion and adjoining restaurant.
A close collaboration with the joiners was essential to ensure the seamless integration of various elements and many material samples and product mock-ups were provided along the way. This included the backbar, glass hanging gantries, peanut rails, and decorative panelling. By working together from the initial design stages through to the final installation, Tailor Made and the joiners were able to create cohesive and visually stunning bars that pair perfectly with the venues theme and décor, whilst also meeting the operational and functional requirements you would expect.
The design of the coffee/pizza servery counter went through several iterations to ensure it perfectly aligned with the bespoke hatch created by the joiners which serves out the old coach house and onto the outdoor terrace; heaven on a warm summers day. Using some clever design features we were able to pack in all the required barista equipment that the local coffee roaster, involved in the running of the servery, required.
Conclusion
Thorough coordination and attention to detail demonstrated throughout the project were pivotal in achieving its success. The Sherborne has been transformed into a vibrant, multi-use venue that not only preserves the historical significance of the building but also enhances its role as a dynamic community hub.
With its state-of-the-art kitchen, elegant bar areas, and versatile spaces, The Sherborne has emerged as a premier destination. The project's success is a testament to the commitment, expertise, and collaborative spirit of the entire project team. It honour's the legacy of Michael Cannon while enriching the local community, offering a space that blends historical charm with modern functionality.