This summer, The Grapevine Bar has been completely refurbished with a new look and brand-new bar, carpet, and equipment, and is ready to welcome back members and audiences for pre and post theatre drinks.
Why the refurb was needed
The refurbishment journey began about three or four years ago when we discussed replacing the threadbare carpet. Various maintenance issues persisted for some time until we realised a complete refurbishment was needed, not just a new carpet.
Behind the scenes, things were falling apart and no amount of patching would improve the situation in the long term. The old bar counter was difficult to clean and had legacy modifications that weren’t ideal. We needed a replacement Python, not a snake, but the collection of pipes delivering beer to your glass.
Our electrics were in a sorry state too. A collection of wiring was hidden behind a secret panel behind the bar, resembling a plate of spaghetti that had succumbed to damp and occasional floods. The sockets on the customer side weren’t much better, and let’s not even get started on the lighting.
Beginning the works
After about two years of saving up, we finally had enough money to start the refurbishment. We selected a main contractor and began designing, planning and implementing the new bar. When our final day of service from the old bar arrived, we emptied it of stock and anything we wanted to keep after the refit. We moved some of it to the Grapevine Offshoot in the Upper Foyer Café and handed over the bar to our contractor.
I admit I was a little nervous when the old bar was unceremoniously sent to a skip. The feeling of starting something that absolutely had to be finished and of no going back was quickly creeping over me!
Now that the work is complete, what’s changed?
The entire bar has been repainted, and a new bar counter has been installed. This counter is visually appealing from the front and constructed of stainless steel at the back for easy cleaning. A high-level glass rack offers additional storage for glasses and equipment. Two screens will provide information to members and visitors about the theatre and upcoming shows. Electrical rewiring has introduced new and additional sockets throughout the bar, with USB outlets in customer areas for phone charging. The lighting has been refreshed and is dimmable to create the desired ambience. Finally, the beer lines and dispense have been updated and….. the carpet has been replaced.
I’d like to thank the bar committee and Questors members who contributed to the planning, design and construction of the newly refurbished Grapevine Bar. Throughout the refurbishment we have offered an uninterrupted service from the upper foyer café and I am grateful to my Grapevine Bar Committee for making sure that those long summer evenings were covered. I hope you enjoy your refreshed club!
