Commercial Patio Installation at The Bell Inn, Old Sodbury – Case Study

TL;DR

Avon Cobblestone recently transformed the patio and path of The Bell Inn, a traditional country pub and B&B located in Old Sodbury, utilising high-performance imprinted concrete. Faced with safety issues, space limitations, and a tight deadline, the team delivered a beautiful, durable, and slip-resistant outdoor surface in just five days. Using a Random Slate pattern in Platinum Grey with a charcoal cobble border, the result is a visually striking, low-maintenance patio perfect for year-round hospitality use. This case study explores the project’s unique challenges, technical solutions, design features, and long-term benefits.

Introduction

Old Sodbury, a small village nestled in the South Gloucestershire countryside, is known for its charm and historic inns. At the heart of this village is The Bell, a well-loved pub and B&B serving locals, hikers, and travellers. Despite its popularity, The Bell’s patio was beginning to show its age: uneven paving, limited space, and a dated design clashed with the venue’s otherwise warm and inviting atmosphere.

To address these issues, The Bell’s management reached out to Avon Cobblestone, renowned for crafting imprinted concrete installations that are not only beautiful but built to last. Their objective? To create a safe, stylish, and durable outdoor seating area – one that complements the pub’s traditional charm while being practical for hospitality demands.

The Challenge

Every Avon Cobblestone installation starts with understanding the problem.

Key Issues Identified:

• Uneven Surfacing: The previous patio was built with ageing flagstones. Over time, these had settled and shifted, causing uneven sections and raised edges, and were at risk of becoming a trip hazard.
  
• Poor Drainage: After even modest rainfall, the surface retained water in multiple places. These puddles not only made the space unattractive but also slippery and difficult to clean.
  
• Insufficient Space: The Bell’s outdoor seating was limited. This meant during peak hours the area felt cramped, limiting the pub’s ability to fully utilise its outdoor potential during warmer months.
  
• Operational Constraints: The Bell is also a working B&B. That meant constant foot traffic from overnight guests, requiring careful scheduling to ensure access wasn’t disrupted during the installation.
  

These obstacles called for more than a quick fix. The management needed a long-term patio solution that combined safety, visual appeal, and ease of maintenance, all installed within a short time frame to ensure minimal interruption to their business.

The Solution

Avon Cobblestone’s team carried out an on-site consultation and designed a custom solution that met both the practical demands of a busy hospitality venue and the aesthetic expectations of a traditional English pub.

Design Features:

• Pattern Choice: The client opted for the Random Slate imprint pattern, which beautifully mimics natural stone textures without unevenness or instability. It offers a classic look suitable for period properties like The Bell.
  
• Colour Scheme: A bespoke blend of Platinum Grey and charcoal was selected. This provided subtle contrast, timeless character, and excellent compatibility with the brickwork of the building.
  
• Border Detailing: To define the edges and add elegance, a charcoal cobble border was integrated. Not only does this improve visual flow, but it also makes the patio look more ‘designed’ and intentional, helping it stand out from standard installations.
  
• Size Optimisation: Avon Cobblestone proposed extending the footprint of the patio by reclaiming unused garden space, enabling more tables, greater freedom of movement, and improved functionality for events.
  
• Timeframe: The entire patio was to be installed in just five working days, to keep the B&B accessible for guests coming and going after hours

Installation Details

Delivering a project of this calibre within a five-day window required meticulous planning and experienced craftsmanship.

Step-by-Step Execution:

• Site Preparation and Excavation:
  
  • The old flagstones and sub-base were removed entirely.
  • Excavation reached the recommended depth for a high-use patio, followed by sub-base installation and machine compaction to create a solid foundation.
    
• Formwork and Drainage Planning:
  
  • Formwork was installed to define the shape and slopes of the patio.
  • Slight gradients were engineered to ensure excellent water runoff, solving the pub’s long-standing drainage problems.
    
• Concrete Pouring:
  
  • A specially mixed fibre-reinforced concrete was delivered and laid, coloured integrally with Platinum Grey.
    
• Pattern Imprinting:
  
  • The surface was imprinted with Random Slate mats while still pliable.
  • The team ensured perfect alignment and texture throughout, even in curved or narrow areas.
    
• Curing, Cutting, and Sealing:
  
  • Once cured, expansion cuts were made to control cracking.
  • The patio was thoroughly cleaned and sealed with a high-grade acrylic sealer, enhancing colour depth and providing resistance to stains, UV rays, and abrasion.
    
• Access Management Throughout:
  
  • The team maintained clear access points for B&B guests and pub deliveries.
  • Barriers, signage, and temporary walkways were used to ensure safe navigation through the site.
    

The Results

The transformation was immediate and impressive, both visually and functionally.

Key Outcomes:

• Expanded and Safer Space: The new patio nearly doubled usable space while providing a flat, level surface – vastly reducing trip and slip hazards.
  

• Stunning Visual Impact: The Random Slate texture and colour combination harmonise with the pub’s stonework, enhancing kerb appeal and aligning with the venue’s historic charm.

• Year-Round Usability: With improved drainage and a sealed surface, the patio now functions equally well in summer or winter – increasing the pub’s revenue potential across all seasons.

• Low Maintenance: Unlike natural stone or block paving, the imprinted concrete surface won’t shift or grow weeds. A simple occasional reseal is all that’s needed for longevity.

• Customer Delight: Guests now enjoy a more spacious, attractive, and clean environment – ideal for al fresco dining, events, or simply relaxing with a pint.

Why Choose Imprinted Concrete for Hospitality Settings?

If you’re a pub or B&B owner considering a new patio, pattern imprinted concrete offers unmatched value:

• Durability under heavy footfall
  
• Slip-resistant textures for guest safety
  
• Custom patterns and colours to suit any style
  
• Minimal maintenance and long-lasting performance
  
• Faster installation compared to traditional paving
  

It’s no wonder venues across Gloucestershire and the South West are turning to Avon Cobblestone for safe patio solutions for hospitality venues.

Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?

Thinking of upgrading your commercial or residential outdoor space?

Request a free quote from Avon Cobblestone today and explore how a decorative concrete design could enhance your property’s functionality and visual appeal.