My Bar
The idea for the design concept, devised by
BGS, was heavily infl uenced by the space and materials of the existing space. “When we discovered the brick vaulted ceiling
and stone arches hidden beneath the plaster we simply had to feature them in the design,” explains Wilson. The hall building in which the bar is situated
was built in 1848, is Grade ll listed and is located within a local conservation area. Remarkably for a structure of this age there were no signifi cant problems during the refurbishment work, which took 14 months to complete. The décor of the bar comprises stone, brick
and stainless steel – a mix of contemporary design juxtaposed with the centuries-old structure. The fl oor is made from reclaimed parquet and there are built-in beechwood benches which house power sockets, lighting and heating. There are matching circular, three legged stools with stainless steel legs and square pedestal tables, all of which are hardwearing yet aesthetically pleasing. “I think the ‘wow’ factor of the bar is vital to
its success and its versatility as a space. In fact, when the students fi rst saw their new bar it was the fi rst word that came to their lips,” enthuses Wilson. “It’s very stylish. We like to think it’s the nicest bar in Oxford, never mind the University.” Students at Pembroke can enjoy free Wi-Fi, 50
inch HD TV and a digital jukebox at this social hub, which can seat 80 people. They can also take their own MP3 players and plug them into the system for special music nights. Most of Oxford’s colleges have bars and
some don’t, as each college is an autonomous institution. The style of college bars varies around the University, from the typical student bar to modern cellar bars and Brasenose’s, which are more like common rooms with armchairs and sofas. “Students tend to use their own college bar
and may only visit other college bars as a guest of a student of that college,” explains Wilson.
www.tuco.org
“Being in the centre of the city, most of our competition comes from town centre pubs, clubs and bars. We compete on the basis that it is a place where students can organise their own events and feel that they have some ownership of the venue.” It is open 8-11pm
on weekdays and every other Saturday night during term time, playing host to regular karaoke, comedy and quiz nights, organised by the Junior Common Room (JCR). These events are promoted in JCR meetings, posters, emails and social media sites. The bar is run on a not for profi t basis because
the University believes that it should be a service to the students. However, the facility is used for private functions out of term time and any profi t made is invested in the college to offer better facilities for its members. “We use the bar for other events outside of
term, including a breakout room for sandwich lunches or finger buffets for our conference trade. We also host a lot of weddings over the summer when the bar is obviously essential,” explains Wilson. Students are not employed in the bar
because the University needs to have a professional dedicated bar manager, as it is used for other functions out of term time. However, some of the other college bars are run by the student body under the auspices of a private club licence. The student body is a 50/50 male female split,
so the bar needs to cater for all tastes. It stocks a wide range of beer, wine, spirits, real ale and
“When we discovered to the brick vaulted ceiling and stone arches hidden beneath the plaster we simply had to feature them”
alcoholic ginger beer. As you would expect in a student bar, particularly one that’s not for profi t, prices are very reasonable. A pint of lager will set students back a mere £2.20; a spirit and mixer costs £1.80, and a coffee just £1. “We don’t offer any incentive schemes
at present as we think our prices are very competitive,” explains Wilson. “Sales are pretty steady, but we probably sell more Pimm’s in Trinity term.” Takings at the bar are around £1,300 a
week during term time, which is bang on budget. However, when hosting private functions such as weddings it can make that same amount in just one night. At present there isn’t any food available for
students in the college bar, but there are plans to offer a range of bar snacks, including crisps and nuts, in the near future. It would seem this new addition to Pembroke
College has been a very successful project. Not only is the student body happy with their own stylish social space, but it is proving a great profi t generator through its use for private functions. So, what’s next on the list for this college? Just watch this space…
02.2012 | TUCO 79
Quentin Lake Quentin Lake
Quentin Lake
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