Racing Pigeons Are Absolutely The Stars In Honiton, Devon

Jan. 25, 2013 - PRLog -- Until its recent closure, The Star Inn, in the ancient market town of Honiton in Devon, was possibly the oldest surviving pub in the town. An 18th Century, Grade II listed building, The Star was probably a traditional beer house before it became an official inn, around 1838. Rather than see this historic property die, British pub leaders JD Wetherspoon have rescued the establishment from extinction.  And now, with the help of their Cornish design agency Absolute, the pub is set to fly again – inspired by its reputation as the epicentre of British pigeon racing.  

Absolute’s interior design philosophy always concentrates on bringing alive new meaning with a property, and in re-igniting relevant stories or themes in an appropriate way.  For this Honiton job, the agency’s researchers dug up the facts that from 1968, The Star was the centre of pigeon racing in the town and that the most famous racing bird was ‘Ron’s Dream’, owned by a local butcher, Mr Bauer, who was secretary of the club based at the inn.

Creative Director, Helen Blake takes up the story saying, “We discovered that Ron’s Dream was one of Britain’s most famous racing pigeons and was legendary because it probably won a national race against 9,681 other birds. Quite a fast flyer! Mr Bauer sadly died of a heart attack the day before it was timed in and his son, who had travelled to Honiton upon hearing the news of his father’s death, realised he must ‘clock’ the bird. However, he did not know the sport and had to read an instruction manual – costing vital time. Ron’s Dream still took third place but was never recognised as the absolute champion.”

Helen continues, “When we discovered this, it was obvious that Ron’s Dream should become the star of the new pub: a true icon that allows the full story of the property and its heritage to come across in a really fresh, but tongue-in-cheek contemporary way. The previous owner and landlady still holds weekly pigeon racing meetings, so it all fits together beautifully.”

 
The Star Inn is steeped in history with almost 175 years to its name - and counting.  With low ceilings, and a traditional vibe, the building’s listing status meant that the Absolute team has had to ensure that the design was also in keeping with the venue, and with the local market. As a nod to traditional pub values, the designers have revealed the original cob walls on the property’s columns and have mixed vintage and modern furniture as well as adding two feature fireplaces to create a welcoming village atmosphere. Flagstone slate floors and local materials will be found throughout The Star with large carpet rugs to zone areas. Honiton has strong links to the lace making industry and this is also reflected both in the graphical approach and subtle interior details.

Ron’s Dream, and his quirky story, will grace the walls with a key focus crafted from found and original painted elements which have been cleverly mixed to create a tongue-in-cheek mantel piece style oil painting. Fun pigeon images will be implemented throughout the site in wallpaper and on the toilet doors.

The pub’s history and significance will also be trumpeted in a new exterior sign, also created by the Absolute graphics team.  Helen says, “Taking reference to an old photo of the pub when it was known as Hartnells Star Hotel, we have kept the signage simple and typographic. We have also added a traditional sign written story to the front curve wall, celebrating the history of the pub and ensuring that this importance is clear for everyone to see.”

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Absolute Interiors by Excess Energy Communications.
For more information, images or interviews please contact Rhona Gardiner on 01637 852130.

Notes to editors:

Absolute has previously masterminded the interiors of spaces such as Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall, the Watergate Bay Hotel, the St Moritz Hotel, the Carn Marth Hotel and various Pizza Express and JD Wetherspoon venues across the country.