Take the office to the pub after saucy refurbishment
THE pub named a town’s best for two successive years has undergone a £100,000 renovation… with a twist.
The Bottle of Sauce in Ambrose Street, Cheltenham, has transformed former hotel rooms into an office space to launch a co-working and hot desking hub.
There will be 46 desks, which can be used individually or grouped together in a private meeting room in what are described as ‘light, airy, urban offices.’
Leo Johnson, founding member of the owners Dodo Pub Co, said: “There’s no doubt that the way people use the town centre is changing, especially with the crisis facing retailers, so Dodo Works is about moving with the times and catering for what people want and need.
“The pub is the perfect common space for relaxed and casual meetings or socials.
“We know people love our table tennis room, too – a brainstorm to generate fresh ideas over a quick game could work wonders.”
He continued: “We initially considered installing bedrooms, particularly as The Bottle of Sauce is a former hotel.
“We got as far as designing the rooms before reviewing the way the high street and town centres are changing.
“We clocked the way people are
working is changing, too, with more smaller business than ever and the freelance community growing.
“We know we have a great space here and we wanted to maximise its potential.”
One local firm has already been taking advantage of the location, with its own base across the road out of action.
Mr Johnson said: “We’ve had Abercrombie & Kent with us for a year while their offices have been refurbished and now it’s time for us to open our offices to the wider community.
“Being able to pop down to the pub for a bite to eat for lunch, meet clients for a working lunch or enjoy some downtime means work can definitely involve some play, too.”
Places at the pub will be available from August.
Small businesses, entrepreneurs and solo workers will get the chance to benefit from “super-fast, super-stable wi-fi, access to private meeting and function rooms – with all the tech needed to impress in a meeting or presentation – seven-day access with secure entrance and tenant perks on food and drinks”.
The company was founded in 2009 by Mr Johnson and Chris Manners, with The Bottle of Sauce opening in 2016 as its third venue and first outside Oxford.
» Join the debate and stay up to date by following us on Facebook @Gloslive online