College Bar Refurbishment

Opposite the world-renowned King’s College Chapel, Abell Nepp’s refurbishment of the College Bar is the first step in the redevelopment of the College’s social quarter. Located within the Grade I listed Wilkins Building, the Bar has been transformed from a dark and dated interior to a bright and spacious social space encouraging both daytime and evening use. Linking to the Great Hall and other Chetwynd Court buildings, the main entrance on the Front Court has been made fully accessible whilst preserving its heritage through the introduction of a retractable stair/lift and raised external path.

Abell Nepp worked with the artist Timorous Beasties to integrate bespoke artwork into a variety of features and specialist finishes, including the backlit bar front, wall coverings and translucent mirrored lampshades. The original concept for the artwork was derived from the college’s crest granted by Henry VI and reinterpreted creating a unique and contextual design response. The back bar can be hidden by large timber sliding doors when not in use.

The construction was completed within a 3 month programme in time for the Autumn Term 2020. Until the pandemic is over, operational policies will be in place to ensure safety for students using the facility.

October 2020