Sept 2012 - Issue 6 - National Federation of Fish Friers

Shop Watch: WETHERBY WHALER RESTAURANT & TAKEAWAY - GUISELEY
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Wetherby
Whaler
The Wetherby Whaler Restaurant and Take-Away at White Cross in
Guiseley is the group’s 5th restaurant to open and is regarded as perhaps
the most prestigious one to date, the adopted site is of historical
significance amongst fish and chip lovers and was until recently the
original site of the world famous Harry Ramsden’s.
This iconic building has been used as a fish and chip shop restaurant since
the early 1930’s and was renowned for serving some of the finest fish and
chips in the area. Over recent years however the restaurant had suffered a
decline in trade and it seemed that the restaurant had lost its customer
appeal, the site had become festooned in a state of neglect and disrepair
which lead to the eventual closure in December 2011.
In early 2012 the Yorkshire based Wetherby Whaler Group stepped in to
save the site from possible demolition and as a result have restored the site
to its former glory as an iconic fish and chip shop and restaurant. To achieve
this a major investment was required which in turn allowed for the expansive
series of works that have occurred, totally transforming the restaurant and
take-away spaces from cold, lifeless and unappealing dining environments
into inviting spaces with a unique sense of character and personality.
The extent of the refurbishment works included;
Issue 6 September 2012
The main facade has undergone the most significant series of alterations in
terms of visual aesthetics, the existing glazed canopy, shop front entrances
and windows were all removed due to their poor condition through years of
neglect. The new facade is a striking addition to the building with a number
of well-considered architectural elements having been incorporated, as the
site is located within a conservation area it was paramount that the new
facade met the approval of planning and conservation officers whilst giving
the building a modern and revived sense of architectural significance. A
number of distinguishable elements have been implemented as part of the
construction of the new facade including timber framed shop front with
leaded glass panels, white rendered walls and slate tiled monopitch roof, all
of which are thought to give the new Wetherby Whaler Restaurant a highly
attractive and recognisable entrance facade.
All areas of the existing restaurant space have been totally transformed with
significant modification works occurring throughout. It was essential however
that the refurbishment should capture the aesthetics and ambience once
associated with Harry Ramsden’s in the glory years. In order to achieve this
major decorative elements within the space have been retained including all
fibrous plaster cornice, ceiling roses and wall mouldings, stained glass
windows and decorative columns. In contrast to these traditional interior
features a substantial palette of modern, high quality material finishes have
been fitted throughout, all of which provide the space with dynamic hints of
tone, colour and texture which include; Walnut tables with cast iron bases,
walnut panelled screens and waiter stations, a bespoke carpet with the
Wetherby Whaler logo, deep buttoned leather fixed seating and a series of
dark stained chairs with a multitude of luxurious fabrics, bevelled mirror and a
stand out drinks area with feature wine display cabinet.
However the most noticeable and dramatic of features within the restaurant
areas are the 7 grand crystal chandeliers which give the space a real sense of
drama and luxurious quality, it is hoped that the inclusion of such ornate and
impressive light fittings evoke memories amongst older customers of times
spent dining under the glistening chandeliers of the once iconic Harry
Ramsden’s Restaurant.
The existing take-away space has also undergone a major series of alterations,
most notably the inclusion of a small cafe seating area which comfortably
seats up to 30 people. The takeaway has benefitted from the inclusion of a
selective palette of material finishes and bespoke details including; Cream
gloss bevelled tiles with black border have been used on the walls throughout
the space, the bright reflective nature of the walls add a sense of depth to
the take-away and helps accentuate the other interior features such as the
light terrazzo floor, stainless steel counter with beach pebbled front and red
and white painted multi-level ceilings. A subtle yet effective series of digitally
printed images of Harry Ramsden have been applied to a number of tiled
panels within the take-away space, this inclusion really adds a sense of
historical context to the space and is a gracious tribute by the Wetherby
Whaler Group to Harry Ramsden, the founder of what is considered by many
to be the nation’s spiritual home of fish and chips.