'The Mercantile Bar' has become established as an 'institution' in the local area. The original project, which was completed in 1988, involved the complete refurbishment of 3 floors of a former clothes shop to form a licensed bar.

In addition shell and core works were carried out to enable the future development of a further 3 storeys above the licensed premises.

'The Mercantile' has formed a model for subsequent public house designs carried out within the studios, notably 'John Harvards' which enjoys a similar spatial complexity and scale and the more recently completed 'Foundry'. The 'Foundry' was commissioned by the original Mercantile Client.

Undoubtedly the success of the Mercantile, is in the greater part attributable to sound operational management and high quality service. The richness of detail and robustness of design has however stood the test of time and proves that good design can make commercial success.