CUTTERS WHARF

Site Assessment
Cutters Wharf is on of South Belfast's most popular hostelries, with a laid back attitude and an attractive aspect on the river lagan.  Years of summer BBQ's however, had turned its terrace into a hotchpotch of stained brickwork, tatty pots and broken furniture.  The planting was virtually non-existent, with areas facing the main road grassed and fenced off.  Its proximity to the river meant that many plants would have difficulty surviving, and together with the 'Raucous' nature of some of the pub's patrons led to a pretty narrow series of options.

 

Client Brief
Realising the implications of both aspect and footfall, the client brief was simple - make the space more user friendly, with a contemporary, fun and continental twist. Easier said than done in the chilly climates of Northern Ireland.

Completed Scheme
Making use of the bar's large French doors, a straightforward deck was introduced to provide a variation in height, new furniture was brought in with a more 'nautical theme', whilst the original river balustrade centres were replaced with clear Perspex for a safer and more modern appeal.  Planting areas were created using pink pea gravel, and into these were introduced a series of large specimen phormiums and cordylines (both resistant to exposure, and relatively continental in appearance). Oversized pots and variegated Phormium Tenax added height to the terrace whilst stainless steel planters were fabricated especially for the bar entrance.  To the roadside, gravel planting was blended with large feature standing stones for an established yet low maintenance space.