Pleased to Meet You

Background

Crafted Projects approached EMS to assist in the restoration of the Queen’s Head Hotel in Morpeth, a 400-year-old derelict building with significant historical importance. As one of Northumberland’s most prominent landmarks, preserving its heritage while transforming it into a modern venue was a top priority. EMS was entrusted with delivering a range of specialist trades and services to bring the building back to life.

The Challenge

The Queen’s Head Hotel presented several challenges. As a Grade II listed building, the structure was in poor condition and required a bespoke infrastructure design to accommodate its limitations. Additionally, its location on Morpeth’s bustling high street posed logistical difficulties, requiring careful planning to manage access and minimise disruption.

The Solution

The transformation was carried out over three distinct phases. The first phase focused on the restaurant, bar, and café, breathing new life into the ground floor while preserving its original character. The second phase saw the development of a stylish wedding venue on the first floor, carefully designed to offer a unique and elegant space for events. Finally, the third phase completed the renovation with the creation of boutique hotel rooms on the first and second floors, providing guests with a luxurious and comfortable stay in a historic setting.

Throughout the project, EMS delivered an extensive range of services to modernise the building while respecting its heritage. A full electrical fit-out was completed, incorporating modern lighting, sockets, and smart controls to enhance energy efficiency and convenience. Heat recovery and air conditioning systems were installed to maintain a comfortable indoor climate, while ventilation improvements ensured better air quality throughout the venue. Safety was also a priority, with a state-of-the-art fire alarm system and door access control integrated seamlessly into the building.

The Outcome

The result was a stunning transformation that balanced modern functionality with the preservation of original features. EMS successfully designed and implemented infrastructure solutions that aligned with Crafted Projects’ vision, ensuring the venue was both visually striking and operationally efficient. Now rebranded as Pleased to Meet You, the former Queen’s Head Hotel has been restored to its former glory and stands as a vibrant destination in the heart of Morpeth, offering a premium dining, events, and hospitality experience.

Client Testimonial

“Working with Kris and the team at EMS, they were able to work around our needs and find solutions to match our design for the building. They have been pivotal to the success of the restoration works and we would highly recommend them. Working with EMS has been solution-focused, and they helped us overcome challenges at every obstacle.”

— Barry Ladhar, Managing Director, Crafted Projects

This project showcases EMS’s expertise in delivering tailored infrastructure solutions for heritage restorations, demonstrating a commitment to blending modern technology with historical preservation to create exceptional spaces.