Transforming A Former Bank Into A Fabulous Bistro & Salon

In early 2025, we were approached with a unique challenge: to help turn the old Lloyds Bank in Bishops Waltham into something completely different. The vision was bold, to create Ellonies – Refine & Dine; a dual-concept space that combined a modern salon with a stylish bistro.

From the start, we knew this would be more than a standard installation. It was about shaping a space that could evolve with the business and give customers an experience they wouldn’t forget, and the team at Simply Commercial Kitchens were more than ready to take this on! 

This was our starting point:

As you can see, we started with a building that was essentially an empty shell, complete with exposed brickwork and plenty of areas in need of attention. It wasn’t much to look at in its original state, but it gave us a completely blank canvas to work from. That made the transformation from a former bank into a fully functioning hospitality space even more rewarding.

With the vision clear and the space ready to be shaped, it was time for us to step in and bring the concept to life. That’s where our full design and installation expertise came into play.

Our Role In The Project

We managed the full design and installation of both the commercial kitchen and the bar. This included everything from design planning and 3D visuals to equipment supply, bespoke fabrication, and final installation.

In the kitchen, we installed a complete setup with trusted equipment from:

Falcon

Rational

Maidaid

Tefcold

Sterling Pro

Mechline

To ensure the layout worked as hard as the team behind it, we collaborated with PEM Stainless on all bespoke fabrication. This included heated gantries, shelving, wall benches, sinks, and a full pass system in the kitchen, along with ice wells, speed rails, and wash stations in the bar.

Strong Client Trust Was Essential

The success of this project came down to strong collaboration. We worked closely with Joe from Dorrington Homes and Becci, the founder of Refine, from the very first conversation in January of 2025.

We kept communication open and made sure every decision was practical, cost-effective, and future-focused. The design wasn’t just about today’s needs. It was about giving Ellonies a setup that could grow as the business develops.

By involving Becci and Joe at each stage, we created a space that reflects their vision while staying true to commercial functionality.

The Design Process

At Simply Commercial Kitchens, we believe a kitchen or bar design should give you a clear idea of how the space will feel – not just where the units sit on a plan.

That’s why we produced CAD designs with 3D visuals for Ellonies. This gave Becci and Joe a realistic sense of how the layout would flow, how staff would move, and how each part of the bar and kitchen would interact.

This approach avoids guesswork and makes it easier to fine-tune details before the installation begins. It also gives our clients confidence, knowing that the design they see is the design they’ll get.

Challenges Faced

Repurposing a bank into a hospitality venue isn’t simple. Banks are built for security and transactions, not food preparation and service. That meant we had to completely rethink the layout and infrastructure.

Some of the main challenges included:

Zoning the space:

Balancing salon and bistro operations required careful planning. The kitchen and bar had to function smoothly without affecting the salon environment.

Flow and efficiency:

Both staff and customers needed clear movement through the space. Our designs ensured service areas were practical without compromising style.

Fitting high-performance equipment into a limited footprint:

We selected compact, reliable brands that deliver power without taking up unnecessary space.

By addressing these challenges early in the design phase, we made the installation process straightforward and efficient.

How Did The Project Come Together?

From the first meeting with Becci in January 2025 to the final handover, the project was a collaborative journey between the team here at Simply Commercial Kitchens, Refine and Dorrington Homes that included:

Consultation:

We listened to Becci’s vision and outlined how the space could be transformed.

Design:

We created CAD drawings and 3D visuals, refining the layout until everything was right.

Equipment sourcing:

We supplied appliances from leading brands known for durability and performance.

Fabrication:

We worked with PEM Stainless to produce bespoke units that made the most of the available space.

Installation:

Our team handled the full fit-out, ensuring every detail was installed to the highest standard.

Handover:

We delivered a finished space ready to serve customers from day one.

This step-by-step process gave Becci and Joe complete confidence at every stage. By combining clear communication, careful planning, and expert installation, we turned a challenging concept into a seamless reality. The result is a kitchen and bar that not only look the part but also perform flawlessly, giving Ellonies the perfect foundation to grow their new venture.

The Final Result

The transformation was nothing short of remarkable. The former Lloyds Bank is now home to Ellonies – Refine & Dine, a space that combines the buzz of a bistro with the style of a high-end salon.

For us, the highlight was seeing the space come to life and knowing we had played a role from start to finish. From the first design sketches to the final installation, we supported Becci and Joe every step of the way.

Ellonies now has:

A fully equipped commercial kitchen built for performance and efficiency.

A bespoke bar that’s both practical for staff and stylish for customers.

A flexible design that allows the business to grow and adapt in the years ahead.

If you’re in the area, we couldn’t recommend a visit highly enough. Whether you want to stop in to enjoy some of the delicious food and drink they provide, or have a relaxing session in the salon, Ellonies – Refine & Dine truly offers a unique experience.

"We were extremely pleased with the service and end result delivered by Simply Commercial Kitchens on the Ellonies project. From initial design through to completion, the team demonstrated professionalism, expertise, and a clear understanding of our vision.

Alex’s attention to detail was exceptional throughout the entire process. She ensured that every element was carefully considered and executed to the highest standard, which gave us great confidence at every stage.

The finished kitchen not only looks fantastic but functions exactly as we needed it to. The project was delivered smoothly and collaboratively, and we are very proud of what was achieved together."

Joe Dorrington, Ellonies

Looking To Transform or Create A Commercial Kitchen Space? Give Us A Call Now!

This case study isn’t just about one build. It’s about what happens when bold ideas, strong collaboration, and practical design come together.

At Simply Commercial Kitchens, we don’t just install equipment. We create spaces that work – spaces that help businesses thrive. Ellonies – Refine & Dine is proof of what’s possible when you combine vision with expertise. Contact us now if you’re looking for a commercial kitchen company to transform your existing space, or collaborate on a completely new one!

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