An old Victorian pub in Bristol has been transformed into a cutting-edge, eco-friendly Café-Bar & Restaurant with a gin distillery, with help from asset finance provider, Ignition.
The Forge & Fern in Broad Street, Staple Hill, recently opened to the public following a stunning renovation project that has included the construction of an external living wall with its own eco-system, a gin distillery in the basement visible to diners via a glass floor, the creation of a home-grown herb and botanicals garden, and the installation of roof-top bee-hives for harvesting honey for the restaurant.
The extensive renovation project was supported with a £180,000 finance package provided by Ignition to cover some of the refurbishment and fit-out costs.
According to Matt Slade, Group Managing Director of The Forges Group, since opening to the public on 22nd July, The Forge & Fern has proved hugely popular, with customers rating the quality food, specialist coffee and curated drinks menu, as well as enjoying the alfresco terrace and family friendly garden. He comments:
“Staple Hill is an area of Bristol that’s prime for regeneration, with lots of demand but limited options for gastro-pub dining. The Forge & Fern is meeting that need, through the provision of great food and hospitality in an amazing environment. And since we are bike friendly and so close to the cycle route, we’re attracting lots of visitors to the area too.”
Matt Slade continues: “A project like this involves a considerable amount of investment upfront, which is where asset finance can make all the difference. The team at Ignition have been helpful and swift in providing the funding we needed to bring The Forge & Fern vision to life.”
Nicola Hambly, Associate Director at Ignition comments:
“It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with Matt and his team and to see their hard work come to fruition. The Forge & Fern is now a stunning venue, offering an amazing dining experience – what a transformation!”
