Posted: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 11:51 am

HPW Architecture has helped transform Haskins Garden Centre in Southampton with a stylish new 460-cover restaurant. 

The Hampshire-based architecture practice, which designed the garden centre itself more than 15 years ago, worked closely with the team at Haskins and contractors Kier to create a modern and friendly atmosphere for diners. 

Natural illumination and sculptured light fittings provide the space with a fresh atmosphere while circular ceiling rafts and feature walls mean customers enjoy a warm and intimate environment. 

HPW was awarded the contract following a successful makeover of the restaurant at Haskins Ferndown last year – another store the practice has a longstanding relationship with having designed the original shop and restaurant almost 20 years previously. 

Gary Wilburn, creative director at HPW Architecture, said: “We wanted to create a restaurant that wasn’t just an add-on to the garden centre but one that would attract customers in its own right too.   

“We are extremely proud of the completed project, the restaurant has a contemporary feel unlike any other in the area and the feedback from visitors has been extremely positive. The meticulous attention we gave to the interior means customers can enjoy a relaxing, first-class dining experience.

“The restaurant marks another successful project with the Haskins team. Our longstanding relationship with the garden centre group has achieved a succession of fantastic projects.”

The Restaurant at Haskins is another significant addition to HPW’s extensive portfolio in the garden centre sector. The Ower-based business has won awards for projects up and down the country including a Retail Week Interiors award for the best in-store restaurant. 

Other brands the architectural team has worked with include: Van Hage Garden Centres, Fermoy’s and Orchard Park.

Now open to customers, the restaurant, which includes a Costa Coffee, serves a range of food, drinks, cakes and pastries and caters for indoor and outdoor dining.