After the success of their recent fit-out of Epernay in Manchester city centre, interior fit-out specialist Andy Thornton Ltd was delighted to work again with Thornton Inns Ltd on the £300,000 fit-out of the new bar and bistro at Manchester Airport.Situated at Terminal One, air side, the new Epernay site was positioned in an unusual half-hexagon shaped area within the concourse. The brief from the client was to repeat the successful template of Epernay in Leeds and Manchester city centres.
As the Principal Design and Build contractor, Andy Thornton handled everything from the building works, all mechanical and electrical services, building partition walls, to the air conditioning and plumbing. The projects team took the site from a bare shell through to the stunning, finished interior.
Continuing the signature Epernay look, the bar front features reclaimed bricks from a local supplier. The bricks add a pleasing warmth and texture to the interior, with the added benefit of being environmentally friendly. The long bar is finished with a sleek pale granite top, with bespoke stainless steel glass racks from Andy Thornton’s Architectural Metalwork department. For the back bar, Andy Thornton’s design team used back-painted glass in duck egg blue, which reflects and bounces light around the bar area.
Furniture from Andy Thornton’s extensive contract furniture range was used throughout the site, including deep upholstered Como bar stools in attractive polished timber, slab oak high tables and Harley side chairs in sleek black leather.
The concourse seating area has a very open, outdoor feel with huge windows looking out onto the Terminal’s apron. A striking 11-m long oak drinkshelf enables customers to enjoy a drink whilst watching planes coming into the gates, including the super jumbo Emirates Airbus A380. Furniture from Andy Thornton’s outdoor furniture collections perfectly complements this outdoor feel, including Salerno side chairs and Maldives three-seater sofas.
With the team on site for 6 ½ weeks from start to finish, both Andy Thornton Ltd and the client are delighted with the finished look and the fact that the Epernay brand is going from strength to strength.
