Orchid carves up new-look format

Orchid’s new style features divided spaces that are suited to different sectors of the market like boisterous groups or family gatherings. The zones have been achieved by building new walls in the pubs.

Orchid’s commercial and people director Simon Dodd said: “Massive spaces don’t work for us—they feel too empty even with several groups in and don’t create a warm, friendly atmosphere. Instead, we’re actually breaking down barriers by putting up special glass walls in our new style carvery pubs. These walls allow us to create spaces that are connected but retain their separate characters, meaning all sorts of customers can enjoy the same quality food and drink without one single group dominating the feel of the pub.”

Pubs getting the new look include the Young Pretender in Kings Langley and the Ainsworth Arms in Manchester, which both say they have substantially increased year on year sales since the revamp.