trio transform third clapham pub
They've done it again. The trio that transformed a south London pub on Clapham Common into the sparkling, mural-festooned bar the Sun have reworked their magic on another downbeat local, the Railway, one neighbourhood up from the Sun, in north Clapham.
Taking all things eastern as their theme, proprietors Tom and Ann Halpin (pictured left) devised a simple brief for their cohort, designer Caroline Ward: "hippy de luxe".
On a budget of only £30,000, Ms Ward kept costs to a minimum by focusing as usual on surface finishes, though much of the budget was consumed in stripping years of lino from perfectly good floorboards, now varnished and laid bare, and building an exotic archway over the existing horseshoe bar.
All three chipped in for effects. Tom Halpin found four gilded Turkish bedposts, which Ms Ward placed either side of a large, green upholstered banquette. Ann Halpin found two striking Thai wooden cabinets for walls.
Ms Ward found several African basketweave fishtraps at an antiques market, which now hang over the bar, and she commissioned a pyramid-based glass stack for the centre of the bar. Original refectory tables have been painted, and their tops covered in colourful salvaged tiles.
In a lightening conversion, the Halpins acquired a 15-year lease from owner Bass in September, stripped out and redecorated the pub for opening mid October.
Some finishing touches are still missing, they feel. Tom Halpin wants to find stained-glass Turkish lanterns, and they are searching for an eastern name. Current favourite is the Camel's Hump.
