Abraham Darby

The name of this pub recalls the industrial pioneer, from nearby Dudley, who developed new methods of producing iron, so helping to pave the way for the Industrial Revolution. The shortage of charcoal in the early 17th century led to local experiments in the use of coal by Lord Dudley, the leading local landowner, and his son, Dud Dudley. It was not until 1709 that Abraham Darby successfully smelted iron ore on a commercial basis.

Project details

Client

JD Wetherspoon

Location

Brierley Hill

Status

Completed

The Abraham Derby is situated at the popular Merry Hill Shopping Centre. Its location is just outside of the mall, between the car park and the main entrance. The main challenge for our venue design specialists to overcome was that customers were walking past and not feeling invited to go in. It had almost become a blind spot.

The exterior space around the garden was judged to be the biggest opportunity for signage and branding to draw in customers. DV Architects created an external branded area using strategically positioned branded planters around the site. The pub quadrupled its covers through the week and its new popularity has led to further plans to extend the outdoor space with a curved extension around the building and a second entrance, allowing customers to walk directly into the pub from the car park.

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