Monday 16 June 2008

Neighbours


Scaffolding for tables is far more sightly...



A big thank you to all of our immediate neighbours who turned out last Friday for a sneak preview of the Lido. We sent out invites to come and help us eat and drink our way through a little spread and even more tasty, to see whats been happening right on their doorstep for the last few months. The sunshine held and the turnout was good with around 60-80 inquisitive guests arriving, all of which were genuinely lovely and most supportive of the Victorian redevelopment. It was great to face so many questions and feel the excitement that was buzzing, a very positive end to the week. One of the neighbours even has a splendid collection of vintage Victorian clothing, including evening and swim wear, that once finished the Lido would make a grand backdrop to for some snaps. Once again thanks again to all who popped in and as you can see not long now on resurrecting what is truly an exciting Bristolian landmark.

Thursday 5 June 2008

Crane


The two massive filters that will cleanse the Lido pool were too big to be handled through any of the door openings of the Lido. Instead they were lifted over the roof tops and across narrow streets of Oakfield Place on the 12th May. All successfully in with no damage, good.

The pool is now cast and we are awaiting delivery of 22 tonnes of the most beautiful blue Italian ceramic tiles to finish the internal lining of the pool. Once these are on we will have a real sense of getting there. (see pic below)

On the 10th of June a team arrives to assemble the finest Valoriani wood burning bread oven shipped from Florence in Italy. These Valoriani ovens are world famous for producing the best bread, pizza and cooked small meats and fish. These oven are in use by the River Cafe', Jamie Oliver, Cafe Moro and many others, especially in central London. Apart from being a great oven, burning dry hardwood is very friendly to our atmosphere rather than the usual reliance of gas.

The scaffolding is now dismantled on the front of Oakfield Place and it is truly a swan from duckling transformation. The fresh paint really accentuates the original stonework of the door and window surrounds. It’s great to finally see the front aspect brought back to life.

The large sliding windows of the restaurant and poolside café now have the sturdy frames in place, a final glass size measurement has been taken and the order for the glass placed. The Spa has had its first coat of interior paint; rads, basins etc installed and is looking fine. We have even got a bit excited and been antique shopping to find suitable, sympathetic and complimentary to the style of the building furniture and fittings.

In the meantime, engineers are working on the unique solar powered air conditioning system for the restaurant which will be a first for Bristol if not Britain, it is a wonderful and wacky stroke of genius.. More news on that later..
 

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