Project Overview
Client: Greene King
Location: Liverpool One area, Liverpool
Project Type: Historic pub refurbishment and rebrand
Scale: Full interior redesign and structural modifications of traditional public house
Challenge/Brief
The client sought to reimagine the historic Beehive pub to ensure its long-term viability in the competitive Liverpool One area. The brief called for a premium, high-end pub offering quality beers and an extensive cocktail menu, operating as a hybrid venue serving coffee and patisserie to daytime shoppers before transforming into a vibrant evening destination. The site’s long, narrow footprint created significant natural lighting challenges that needed addressing whilst maintaining the building’s historic character.
Solution
MGI developed a design concept inspired by Liverpool’s demolished Futurist cinema, paying homage to the building’s 1930s-1980s art deco heritage. The approach balanced preservation of original features with luxury contemporary additions. The design strategy focused on creating an intimate yet welcoming atmosphere through carefully selected materials, finishes, and lighting solutions that would work effectively across the venue’s dual day-and-night operation.
Implementation
The project retained and enhanced original features including the bar servery and back-fitting, complemented by high-specification new elements. Victorian wall tiling, timber panelling, velvet upholstery and drapes were combined with black finishes and polished brass details throughout. Highly decorative booths were constructed at the rear to provide intimate seating areas. To address lighting issues, the entire ground floor shopfront was replaced with full-height glazed bi-fold doors, whilst a previously covered glazed roof was reinstated. Structural works maximised trading space by opening up areas beneath the existing staircase and completely reconfiguring the rear catering kitchen and WC facilities.
Results
The transformation successfully created a luxurious venue that addresses both day and evening markets whilst respecting the building’s heritage. Despite the use of rich, dark finishes, the enhanced glazing solutions ensure the space feels light and airy during daytime operation. The intimate booth seating has become a key attraction, offering guests privacy and exclusivity. The venue now operates effectively as a premium hybrid destination, successfully attracting both daytime shoppers and evening clientele whilst securing its future in Liverpool’s competitive hospitality market.