The Custom House, Queen Square, Bristol, England.
Proposed 250 cover restaurant conversion

This is one of Bristol's historically important grade II* listed buildings and is in the ownership of the council.

During the Bristol riots in 1831, the first, and symbolically important, early 18C custom house was burnt down. The present building is a replacement and was completed in the 1840's. Although designed with a grand exterior the internal finishes are plain and functional. The 2 storey main facade pays little regard to the 3 storey interior and floors pass across windows except where the grand 1st floor 2 storey high Long Room (13 x 8.5m) lies behind 2 of the windows.

Customs & Excise moved to Avonmouth in 1983 and various occupancies followed the last being office use and 5 years vacant. We negotiated with English Heritage and Bristol City Council on behalf of our clients for the planning and listed building consents for conversion to provide kitchens, ancillary accommodation and 250 covers divided to provide main restaurant, private function rooms and basement bar. A new lift, staff residential accommodation and emergency stair were included.

Although approvals were at an advanced stage, the project did not proceed beyond planning & negotiations with the estates department.

Main facade to Queen Square - 2 windows to the Long Room upper right

Lease requirements for fabric & stone repair, new railings etc. made project unviable