Little Lobo, Sandyford
Although the property had been operating as a restaurant prior to 2014, it was necessary to formalise the use with planning and carry out works to the building to meet current standards. A new ceiling was installed to prevent the transfer of sound and odour to the established residential accommodation above. A new acoustically attenuated kitchen extraction system and commercial kitchen were installed, along with additional WC facilities.
Unfortunately the tenant’s business closed during the pandemic and the building remained unoccupied until Little Lobo moved in. The trend of eating and drinking outdoors had become firmly established during the pandemic and LL wanted to provide shelter for the external tables. A proposed permanent timber structure was rejected by planning. However consent was granted for traditional retractable canvas canopies which provide the required protection from the weather for al fresco diners, as well as providing an opportunity to display the company’s graphics reinforcing the strong brand identity of this popular local business.
Little Lobo, Tynemouth
A neglected building on Percy Park Road had once been home to a takeaway and had a ramshackle collection of outbuildings to the rear. The whole building was in need of a comprehensive redesign and refurbishment, and the client was keen to make the most of the location in central Tynemouth. The brief was to provide a commercial unit on the ground floor of the building suitable for a bar/restaurant/takeaway with holiday accommodation on the upper floors.
Once the site was cleared and the interior of the building was gutted, a new steel frame was inserted.
A new single storey extension to the rear was fitted with a commercial kitchen and extract system, and a new shopfront was installed, with bifold doors allowing close contact between the serving area and the pavement seating. A traditional retractable canvas canopy provides shelter to these tables.
The upper floors were completely remodelled with an additional floor inserted into the building, increasing the accommodation. It is now a well-appointed holiday let with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open plan kitchen / dining / living space accessed from an independent entrance door and stairs to a terrace at first floor level.