The famous Harry’s Bar at Angels Hotel in Uddingston has just had a glamorous make-over. The bar named after Angels founder the late Harry Hood, opened six years ago, but this latest make-over is the most ambitious to date.
Perhaps in homage to the founder’s footballing career, or simply the move towards greener venues, the bar itself has become more of a statement with an elegant and striking tiled green facade toped with a gleaming brass rail. In fact shades of green are used throughout from the sage green ceilings to the bottle green chairs.
Black and white antico has been used to accentuate the bar area – they don’t just look good, they are very functional too. Although the make-over at first might look cosmetic, Frank Adam Contractors and designers Space-ID have in fact subtley changed of layout and all the fixed seating has been completely replaced and enhanced which now means the venue can accommodate a further 22 covers. However the designers have ensured that the bar stays close to its sporting roots with additional TV’s being introduced to ensure you can watch sport from every vantage point in the bar.
The main structural change has see the entrance from the rear carpark change from via the conservatory extension to the snug area. This has allowed the seating in the conservatory to be re-configured to offer extra dining space.
The Snug has also been reconfigured to make it more of a dining area, than drinking area, and the doors to the rest rooms have been enhanced, as have the toilets themselves.
The new Harry’s also features cork walls – which look bark-like. These feature walls are situated in the bar and the theme is continued into the conservatory. It warms the place and also perhaps absorbs some of the noise from the lively crowd which frequent the bar. In the main bar area the cork wall sits behind two elevated bar tables – which now offer the perfect vantage point to people watch.
Pinch points have also been reduced – especially around the entrance from the restaurant into the bar – fixed seating that was here has now made way for an inset elevated shelf and bar stools. Immediately adjacent are striking new wine fridges.
The lighting is spectacular with two decorative modern chandeliers which take pride of place in the two bay windowed seating areas. They add a touch of luxury and also highlight two of the key areas to sit – one of which boasts a comfortable booth with a space saving half moon table while the other has a tall posing table with bar stools.
The designers have managed to retain many of the traditions of the original Harry’s Bar, but it has been enhanced and it has also evolved. The new Harry’s caters for all ages and regulars but it is also hoped that by refreshing the offering new customers will make there way there too.
Says Director Siobhan Edwards, “While Harry’s Bar didn’t necessarily need a refresh, it is a tradition of Lisini to consistently upgrade and enhance our offering and I think we have achieved this. It was also great to have our founder, my mum Kathleen, get involved with the project.
She added, “We have another two exciting projects in the pipeline to further commercially enhance Angels. We at LISINI strive to continuously deliver brand extensions in the on-trade.”