Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue...

Victorian blue

Restored tea room windows with the beginings of the pool view balcony

'Borrowed'

The old and new woodwork

As well as all the new features going into the Lido there will be as much retention of old materials as possible, recycling where ever possible. Some of the building is so old and in such a poor state that it has to be replaced with new parts. Due to the grade 2 nature features and new materials have to be sympathetic to the original, which is great as far as were concerned, preserving and enhancing this old lido really is special. Of the 5 supporting beams that hold and make the face of the pool side lounge and restaurant, 2 have had to be replaced, above pic, and the old floor joists replaced for safety. The originals have had rotten ends sawn off and will be lovingly restored and used as chunky balustrades for the stairs from lounge to restaurant.

Drawing on experience from fitting and furnishing the Glass Boat, local reclaiming is the order or the day. The Glass Boat when it was built in 85-86 did exactly that and made good of various used and unwanted local materials, most of the boat's fittings reflect Bristol's heritage - from the original marble worktops from St Nicholas fish market, to the polished walnut and maple floor. The solid Burma teak doors originate from the old Royal Hotel, and other architectural features come from local buildings including a former police station, flourmills in Avonmouth and the Western Daily Press offices in Silver Street. Some of the portholes even come from a cross channel ferry. The Lido is successfully learning from her elder sister and has so far claimed the original wooden stair case form the currently redeveloped Bristol and West building on the center along with some beautiful old chunky wooden doors, which we have decided will polish up nicely for the private changing room doors. (2nd above). The stairs will be put to good use again leading diners to the pool view restaurant.

The original colour of the Lido form the Victorian days was a sky blue which can still be seen on some of the inside features, where possible this will be brought back to life.

So with all the right ingredients it's only right that we shall be submitting the venue to be approved as a venue for civil ceremonies.