Peter Jay Design Associates, an experienced Irish Pub designer was commissioned to reinvigorate the basement floor of the Criterion Hotel. Originally the hotel’s cellar space, now called “The snug”, was converted to patron space many decades ago, the building is a heritage listed Iconic Art Deco Building built in 1935. Peter Jay an experienced pub architect was briefed to develop a colourful, authentic Irish brewery style Pub whilst subtly incorporating the latest TAB technologies and ideas. The theme is a combination of traditional Shop and Brewery styles, mixing images of famous Irish Food and Beverage brands while utilising the original heritage features of the building.  Original heritage brick walls were carefully reconditioned removing years of neglect and carefully brought back to life to enhance the character of the new theme which reflected the original use of this space.

The brewery and shop styles were combined to enhance nostalgia and history dating back to  a bygone era. Finishes and materials were carefully selected to support the theme, broken slate tiles were laid in random patterns to emulate cobbled stone floors, as you would find in the Guinness brewery at St.James’s gate, Dublin to create authentic feature, a T&G ceiling mitred and installed to emulate a vaulted ceiling creating contrast in an otherwise space with a minimum ceiling height. The basement bar has become very popular since its re-opening.