Brasserie Blanc

Project: Brasserie Blanc - Bristol
Client: Brasserie Blanc
Architect: Phil Williamson, PNW Design
Main Contractor: Rosemead Developments

Chef Raymond Blanc has found a remarkable location in The Friary Building, Bristol. Formerly a monastery and Quaker meeting hall, the earliest parts of the building date back to the 13th and 14th centuries. Installing a restaurant ventilation proved to be complex and demanding from the outset.

Before work could even begin, Chapman Ventilation had to satisfy concerns from demanding planning authorities and others – including English Heritage – over the size, position and route of all of our restaurant ventilation systems. And as we would be installing ventilation for two banqueting halls, our job was doubly difficult.

We satisfied planners’ concerns and installation began. The canopy (pictured above) came in 28 sections and had to be assembled on site, piece by piece – working with only a 2.2m ceiling height. Nevertheless, the Chapman Ventilation team completed the job in good time, ensuring thousands of restaurant goers can now enjoy these fantastic historical spaces.

Raymond Blanc commented: “The Brasserie is in the old Quaker meeting hall, lovingly restored, the room is a marvel, simply built but of outstanding beauty ... I just love it."

See the photos