The Pierhouse hotel

St Austell Brewery’s flagship pub suffered a fire that forced the redesign of the entire site. At the same time, there was a need to establish a refit strategy centered on a local design approach that could sit naturally within the historic location while incorporating unique St Austell Brewery brand moments.

The challenge was to rebuild in a way that respected the site’s heritage while delivering a stronger and more considered brand presence.

Focusing on the historic location of Charlestown, we developed a concept design for the pub, restaurant and rooms that incorporated local materials such as clay and collaborated with Cornish artists to highlight the best of the southwest. The design approach rooted the project firmly in its setting, ensuring authenticity and a strong sense of place.

Alongside this, we explored how St Austell Brewery brand moments could be integrated throughout the environment, delivering products in thoughtful and sometimes surprising ways that felt aligned to the overall concept.

A new masterplan was developed to maximise space, elevate room experiences and introduce new dining concepts across the pub, restaurant and hotel. By staying true to the site’s historic past, we created spaces that feel personal and unique while delivering a cohesive and localised brand experience.