Set on England’s most easterly inhabited island, this ever-popular estuary facing bar and restaurant decided to utilise the Coronavirus pandemic Lockdowns to its advantage by extending the restaurant upwards, sideways, and outwards with a stunning yet sympathetic renovation instigated by its long serving current owners.

On the outside, the renovation involved re-purposing a previously redundant area in front of the building to create additional outside dining space, particularly for the substantial increase in customers that the restaurant experiences from Spring through Summer & Autumn, and this is where KT Garden Spaces was entrusted to install Millboard composite decking on three levels, with accessibility considerations and to complement the internal renovation works.

The decision to choose Millboard decking was based on several factors, including –

• This innovative composite product’s real wood look and feel
• A new aluminium subframe that would stand the test of time in a coastal location
• Slip resistance of the boards
• Colour choice, with Smoked Oak selected to complement the restaurants new weatherboarding
• Matching fascia boards for creating screening
• Millboard’s credentials in commercial applications, particularly hospitality

In addition to the Millboard decking, KT Garden Spaces were also tasked with create matching screening both at ground level and on a new balcony decking area, which provided us with a fantastic opportunity of creating bench style seating (also constructed using Millboard materials). To complete the project, KT Garden Spaces installed a semi-frameless glass balustrade, to commercial specification and most importantly fit for the purpose of sheltering patrons from the usual sea breezes. By design the balcony screening had to serve as both a sound barrier and to create an element of privacy for neighbouring properties.

It’s also worth highlighting the unique properties of Millboard as on this project it allowed us to inlay discreet led strip lighting within the decking boards themselves creating a delightful ambience by night, whilst providing a clever element of safety lighting.

All in all, the transformation of this establishment is quite remarkable. Many of its local and seasonally returning customers are delighted that it still retains its charm and reputation. For KT Garden Spaces too we embraced the challenges this project presented and are truly delighted with the finishing result, especially as its on our doorstep!