The Red Lion, Biggleswade

The Grade II listed Red Lion pub occupies a prominent position on the edge of a historic market town. Our proposals sought to breathe new life into the timber-framed building and its setting, replacing expanses of asphalt with a richly textured courtyard framed by restored and new buildings.

The former pub would have been sensitively repaired and adapted to accommodate a restaurant, complemented by a new orangery designed for private dining and events. To the rear, a contemporary extension in brick and glass provided additional flexible space, while a farm shop added further variety and liveliness to the site.

The central courtyard formed the heart of the scheme, supporting providing space for outdoor dining and space for occasional market stalls selling local produce. Together, these elements would have re-established the Red Lion as a focal point of community life. Sadly, due to client funding issues the project foundered at pre-application stage, where we had been making excellent progress with planning officers at Central Bedfordshire Council.