Hathersage Pool Cafe – An improved brand experience through refreshed interior design and brand identity

93ft recently completed an interior design and brand identity project to refresh the look and feel of Hathersage Pool Cafe, helping to positively impact the overall experience of the picturesque Peak District swimming spot for its many visitors throughout the year.

Hathersage Pool, one of the many hidden gems of the Peak District, opened in 1936 and has been an integral part of the picturesque village ever since. As one of the dwindling number of open air pools in the UK, it provides the unique opportunity to swim in the open air amidst the glorious Peak District scenery. Heated throughout the summer and winter seasons, it invites visitors all year round and is a favourite spot for families.

The cafe, which sits in close proximity to the pool, required a refreshed purpose and customer perception. The foundation was there for the cafe to invite more trade and become the place for families, locals and visitors alike to relax in an inviting space. A contemporary look and feel to the interior and brand of the cafe was needed to make this a reality. 

93ft were tasked with changing the perception of the Hathersage Pool Cafe through a combination of considered interior and brand decisions. Our studio’s extensive experience working on restaurant, bar and cafe projects allows us to have a clear focus on the practical design decisions needed for an appropriate solution to a brief. No two projects are the same, but our approach is. 

A fresh new look and customer experience

The refreshed interior and brand design for Hathersage Pool cafe needed to improve a number of key areas and touchpoints, serving the needs of the key customer groups above all else: Hathersage locals, swimmers, families, walkers, climbers, and Peak District visitors. The new interior needed to be informal, welcoming and cosy – comfortable enough for people to relax, but with a practical "high customer turnover" approach in mind. 

Working in partnership with 93ft, Rotherham-based First Class Building Group Ltd took on the total interior redecoration of the cafe, which included repainted walls, new flooring, light fixtures, furniture, doors and windows. A reshuffle of the interior layout helped to maximise the covers and accommodate flexibility for larger groups of customers, with updated WC facilities to allow more inclusive access. Display and storage space were increased to support the extra service volume, as well as a new till, counter and service area arrangement to enable a smooth flow of customers. 

For the fit-out, the 93ft interior design team selected materials that feel soft and recognisable to the existing audience, whilst still feeling new and fresh. Procuring furniture that was contact friendly and to withstand being moved in accordance to customer needs was another key consideration. Bespoke banquette seating manufactured especially for the project from 93 Makes creates extra space for customers to place their bags beneath the seat. A bold and confident signature colour of rich blue carries through both the interior and brand touchpoints in a multitude of materials and applications. 

The addition of the new outdoor takeaway hatch allows two points of service for both sit-in cafe customers and poolside visitors. The “grab and go” element to the cafe will help alleviate the bottleneck effect of customer footfall through the cafe, as well as providing flexibility of service for the key groups. 

The refreshed brand pieces for the cafe covered signage, menu boards, paper menus, coffee cups, staff aprons, and interior artwork pieces. The brand took inspiration from the ‘Hathersage Pool Cafe’ print by David Thompson, and focused on clean and minimal design to support the new cafe offering. Each brand touchpoint required a level of clarity and simplicity to allow an ease of use in the customer experience journey. 

“The cafe is transformed” 

Some kind words from Hathersage Pool Cafe shows an immediate positive impact has already been seen after the completion of the project:

“We just wanted to say a massive thank you for the work you did with us. We are absolutely delighted with the result. The place is transformed and we have had so many positive comments. We really appreciate how you worked with us and your desire to really deliver what we needed – you listened carefully and kept checking back, which we appreciated. You were a pleasure to deal with and very good at what you do – design, graphic design, making and relationship management.”

93ft works hand-in-hand with clients to create brands and experiences that feel grounded in place, community and culture. Hearing about the positive impact of our work is what fuels our studio to deliver above and beyond for each and every project. 

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Would you like to work with the award-winning 93ft brand, digital and interiors team?

93ft is an independent, employee-owned design studio with a collective passion for storytelling. Our full-service team combines creative strategy, design, digital, interior design, architecture and manufacturing to bring brands to life, helping them to build meaningful connections with their audience. Our network of both in-house and external craftspeople, artisans, specialists, designers, developers, fabricators, branding experts and architects ensure no stone is unturned. 

Whatever your goals for your business or organisation, 93ft’s award winning approach to creating holistic brand experiences can help get you there. With 93ft as your partner, we can develop and shape your brand identity, transform your online presence and physical space, help you discover your unique offering and customer experience, engage your audience through comprehensive SEO research, and achieve your marketing goals. 

Get in touch today to tell us about your exciting new project, we'd love to help you elevate your services and offering.

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