Tales from the Riverbank from Morgan

150 150 Daniel Fountain
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Morgan Furniture, the design-led British manufacturer of contract furniture, has supplied a range of contemporary soft seating, including bespoke designs, for the 4 star Runnymede Hotel in Egham, Surrey. In an attractive setting, on the banks of the Thames, the Runnymede is a well-known hotel in the South and a magnet for riverside dining. With close proximity to Heathrow, the hotel is also a popular venue for conferences and meetings, making it ideal for both business and pleasure. Morgan were commissioned to supply furniture for the refurbishment of The Lock Bar & Kitchen and also the foyer of the Grand Union conference suite.

The Lock, so named as it sits besides the Bell Weir Lock on the river, has a new interior which emulates a relaxed, home-style feel with an eclectic mix of sofas, dining chairs and bar stools. The Morgan in-house design team created a bespoke version of the Seville 453 bar stool with a special increased height to suit the existing bar counter. Bespoke Ribb sofas were commissioned in an Oak species timber and were slightly higher and wider than the standard version in order to provide comfort and privacy for informal meetings. Typical of the laid-back atmosphere of the restaurant, the contemporary Soho sofa from Morgan with its softened corners and absence of harsh lines creates an inviting seating group and is adorned with scatter cushions in a variety of fabrics.

Away from the bustle of the bar and restaurant areas, Morgan also supplied seating for the foyer of the Grand Union conference suite. The Seville 775 chairs offer a modern take on the traditional wing chair featuring a distinctive and comfortable back, perfect for prestigious lounge areas. As the largest conference facility in the hotel, the Grand Union can accommodate up to 170 people; the foyer plays an important role as a venue for hosting drinks receptions and providing refreshments and comfortable seating for delegates during conference breaks.

The Runnymede has undergone a number of partial renovations since opening in 1972. Its convenient location, just outside of Windsor and around 15 minutes from Heathrow, and historic position on the site of the 1215 signing of the Magna Carta, make it an important meeting place for many events. This latest renovation, which marks a move away from formal interiors with darker walnut and wengé timbers to a lighter and more natural décor, will help ensure that the Runnymede stays firmly on the map for many more years to come.

Morgan was commissioned directly by Robert Kenworthy from the Runnymede who visited the factory to discuss bespoke project requirements. The original design brief was created by Design LSM.

Daniel Fountain / 11.04.2012

Editor, Hotel Designs

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