by Susan Young
David Storrie’s latest venture The Stravaig in Ayr’s Miller Road is a masterclass in how to make textures and patterns work in a modern-day setting. His new bar and restaurant may mean ‘to wander freely without purpose’ but David certainly had a purpose when it came to the design. To create a standout venue for Ayr.
And if the response from locals is anything to go by, he has created a beast. David was approached by property firm Donnini Apartments, who run the former Kylestrome Hotel, to partner with the business and create a bar and restaurant in the space, which was formerly the hotel’s restaurant.
The result, The Stravaig, which opened last month, is already performing well ahead of expectations, and although they expected demand to drop off once everyone’s curiosity had been satisfied, it hasn’t.
The restaurant and bar is now divided into three (or four if you take into account the stylish reception area) distinctive areas. To the left there is a small bar, to the right a restaurant, and beyond that a space they call ‘The Snug’ which is a similar size to the restaurant, so not so snug when it comes to space.
As you walk into the bar you cannot miss the striking wall filled with greenery and neon signage spelling out its name with the brands logo of a stags head represented. In fact there are subtle uses of neon throughout the panel – imbedded in wood panelling and beneath the bar to name but two spots.
The bar has a colonial feel with wooden blinds, a suspended bamboo ceiling, hanging lights with wicker-like shades and various types of wooden tables of different heights and styles.
But the focal point is the round table in the centre which sits on top of a round rug. Two leather armchairs grace the window, and the eye-catching zig zag floor design draws your eye. Here the colours are predominantly a Farrow & Ball type sage green and cream.
The bar itself has been beautifully finished. The back bar is framed with green rustic style tiles and bespoke shelving with a diamond mirrored backing create a visually appealing backdrop for the spirit bottles.
On the opposite side of the reception area the oak flooring changes the tempo and marks the area out as a distinctive dining room. That’s not all that makes this space distinctive. The wallpaper too is very striking. From feather-like, to a dramatic black and gold in a corner booth, it certainly has a wow factor. Initially the restaurant seems to tie in with the bar – with the sage green following through and lovely booths with curved fixed banquettes and hanging wicker-like shades. However, when you turn around there is a wall with feather-like wallpaper and a statement round mirror.
The fixed seating here is a rich burgundy colour with black and gold seats. In the corner there is a booth which seats 8, which is more Chinese in character – it has cream fixed seating, dramatic black and gold wallpaper, cushions and antique mirrors. I am told that is already a favourite spot with customers. It feels very luxurious.
Beyond the restaurant is The Snug and again the floor flow is created by the use of black and white tiles and wood panelling with strips of neon embedded, just as you go down a couple of steps. It’s the upholstery here that has the wow factor – it features the jungle complete with Tiger – which also adds to the colonial feel of the venue. But there is a mix of décor here too. Vibrant orange fixed seating hugs the wall, which has been papered in a dark plum colour with a striking diamond etched mirror. This marries in with the mirrored shelves on the back bar.
The tabletops here are wood rimmed with brass, but some have a marbled top, and other tables are off white. There is no shortage of bric-a-brac and candles, which are all electric. The lighting too is controlled by dimmers which gives the venue the right atmosphere during the day and evening
The décor in The Stravaig certainly makes you feel like the designers have wandered through the Caribbean, India, the Far East and Africa… and brought a little bit of the magic to Ayr.
