By Nicola Walker
Thirty3 in Largs is a new restaurant, bar and events space which is already proving a popular addition to the area. The property has been there since the early 1900s and over the years has been home to a tearoom, Carriages nightclub and more recently The Lounge.
The building has now been brought back to life by Kevin and Janet Cumings who have invested heavily into the venue. Janet was originally from Largs and, after meeting South African Kevin, they lived in Zambia. They have now returned to Janet’s roots and have brought something unique to her hometown.
The project has been spearheaded by designer, Michele Brown of Interiors Forty-Five who saw the project as a labour of love.
She said, “After talking to the owners I realised it was a real project from the heart because Largs was Janet’s hometown, and they wanted this to be a legacy for their sons. They gave me free reign for the design, but they loved all the original features of the Victorian building.
“So, I wanted retain the character but bring in a new modern edge and integrate subtle parts of African influence. For example, South Africa export copper so there’s a lot of that tone in the wall coverings as a homage to Kevin. There is also lots of greens and foliage used throughout.”
Upon arriving at Thirty3 the long corridor gives way to grand staircase with a stunning cupola at the top. The dome was spray painted and brought to life by artist Megan Reilly and now features clouds and stars which feels like you are looking up at the night sky. All the original wooden panelling on the stairway has been carefully restored and as you reach the top it has been painted in a smoky green. There is also a beautiful art deco style statement wallpaper which transports you to the original era of the building.
The Victorian features that have been retained are just stunning and include white ceilings with intricate cornicing, two beautiful fireplaces in the main restaurant and a mosaic floor. It was this floor that has inspired other elements of the colour scheme such as blues and terracotta.
Designer Michelle is incredibly proud of the results of project saying, “Fundamentally we haven’t changed the layout, however, we started the bathrooms from scratch and have added in an accessible toilet and an additional ladies toilet.
“The windows were also fully replaced, which was a big project. Due to it being a listed building you have to follow certain rules, and you’ve got to be very careful when you take out windows as the stone can move. “Where the nightclub was before is now an events room and the leafy tropical features continue through. I really wanted to create something modern that was reminiscent of a city centre venue and would attract people from all over Scotland.”
She adds, “There was actually some furniture in the building which could be reupholstered, and we wanted to be mindful of sustainability.”
They have also acquired some great new furniture from Select Contract Furniture which really suits the space. In the bar area there is a hexagonal shaped bar in centre of room which acts as a focal point.
This is clad in stunning vertical copper tiling and has a matching copper gantry. The tones of this area blend seamlessly into the restaurant, however, the restaurant has a slightly darker feel and definitely displays more of the retained Victorian era features.
The restaurant is warm and welcoming as green leather fluted banquettes meet marble topped copper trimmed tables. The curved banquettes in the centre give a 360-degree view of the restaurant and allow a wonderful flow around the room.
One wall features a statement botanical wallpaper by which again brings warm copper tones matching the original wood panelling. The stunning wallcoverings have been supplied by Muraspec.
Key Account Manager Susan Kelly, told DRAM, “By blending heritage charm with contemporary appeal, we successfully delivered a timeless aesthetic that elevates the building’s character while upholding the highest standards of luxury and innovation.”
All the lighting has a real art deco feel, from the chandelier in the centre of the room, to the wall sconces, and even the individual table lamps. Large mirrors above the fireplaces also add light and really open up the space.
The newly renovated ladies bathroom is also a highlight. It features pink tiling, a terracotta countertop, pink sinks, brass taps and brass trimmed oval mirrors. The wall of every cubicle even has a different feature tile at the back.
Michele concludes, “We’ve really tried to elevate the originality of the space and made it more modern. I love the feel of the restaurant and feel we’ve enhanced the space and brought everything brought it to life.
“It’s been a labour of love for us all and the people from Largs are very keen for it to do well.”
I have no doubt it will. It certainly is unique to the area and rumour has it there are even more plans for the future. With a further two floors above the restaurant there could even be plans for a wedding venue or a boutique hotel development, so watch this space…