Three Salmons Hotel Project
How Nebrak approached designing and building a new reception area for a renowned 300-year-old hotel and restaurant.
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Project Overview
For hotels, the reception is far more than a place to check in. It creates the first impression, influences how guests experience the building, and often becomes a social space throughout the day.
When the owners of the historic Three Salmons Hotel wanted to modernise their reception, they were careful not to lose the character that guests had come to know. The brief was to create a welcoming front-of-house that respected the building’s heritage while introducing a dedicated coffee and cake offering for residents, visitors and local customers alike.
The Brief
The existing reception needed to perform more roles than simply welcoming guests.
Alongside hotel check-ins, the new space needed to accommodate a compact coffee service capable of supporting everyday hospitality without feeling separate from the reception itself. Every element had to fit within a relatively small footprint while maintaining clear circulation, efficient staff workflow and the warm atmosphere expected from a 300-year-old hotel.
The project also needed to integrate the client’s own equipment, including coffee machine, till, refrigeration and water system, creating a seamless workspace that could evolve with the hotel’s operation over time.
The Solution
Rather than creating separate reception and coffee areas, the design brings both together in one cohesive front-of-house environment that supports guest arrivals and everyday hospitality.
An angled reception counter improves visibility from the entrance, creating a warm first impression while helping staff welcome guests more naturally. Behind the scenes, integrated equipment spaces, bespoke shelving and practical storage keep the workspace organised and efficient.
The coffee area was designed around the hotel’s own equipment, ensuring every appliance had a dedicated place while maintaining clear worktops and smooth workflow. The result is a welcoming hotel reception and coffee bar that respects the character of the building while supporting day-to-day operations more effectively.
Behind the Build
Every element of the joinery was manufactured specifically for the Three Salmons Hotel, ensuring the new reception felt like a natural part of the building rather than an addition to it.
Warm walnut-effect finishes were chosen to complement the hotel’s character, while durable Durasein solid surface worktops provide a practical surface for the demands of daily hospitality. Behind the reception, the coffee preparation area was planned around the hotel’s own equipment, with integrated storage, shelving and concealed services creating a workspace that’s easy to keep organised and efficient.
Delivered through Nebrak’s complete in-house service, the project brought together site survey, design, manufacture and installation to create a front-of-house environment that works as well for the team behind the counter as it does for the guests in front of it.
Reception counters experience constant daily use, making durability just as important as appearance.
Corinth Stone Mizar solid surface was selected because it offers a seamless finish that’s highly resistant to stains, moisture and everyday wear. Unlike many traditional work surfaces, solid surface can be repaired if damaged, helping hospitality environments maintain their appearance for many years while supporting high standards of cleanliness.
Rather than specifying standard modular furniture, every cabinet was designed around the hotel’s operation.
Walnut-effect decorative boards introduce warmth that complements the building’s traditional character, while bespoke cupboards, shelving and equipment spaces ensure everything has its place. Designing cabinetry around the workflow creates a cleaner guest experience and allows staff to work more efficiently throughout the day.
Egger H3154 ST36 Dark Brown Charlston Oak
Adding coffee service to a hotel reception is about more than finding space for equipment. By planning preparation areas, storage and services together, the coffee bar becomes a natural extension of the front-of-house, supporting both guest experience and efficient day-to-day operation.
A fully moulded solid surface sink with integrated drainer grooves improves hygiene, while integrated waste helps keep the counter clear and uncluttered. A Polar G-Series display fridge showcases fresh cakes and pastries, and a Zip HydroTap Classic Plus provides instant boiling and filtered water for quick, consistent beverage preparation.
This thoughtful integration creates a welcoming hospitality destination that complements the reception and encourages guests to stay a little longer.
COLLABORATIVE PROCESS
From initial briefing and site survey to design and installation, we work with you every step of the way to deliver a tailored solution.
EXPERT IN-HOUSE TEAM
Our designers, joiners, and installers collaborate closely, ensuring a smooth process and a high-quality finish.
FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS
From remodelling existing spaces to designing from scratch, we create cost-effective solutions that make the most of your environment.
Project Installation Gallery
All images shown are from a real Nebrak project delivered for Three Salmons Hotel.
Project Highlights
Reception and coffee front-of-house environment
Bespoke reception desk with guest-facing design
Premium solid surface countertops
Warm walnut-effect decorative finishes
Integrated storage and equipment housing
Bespoke laser-engraved signage
Creating a Great First Impression Starts Here
Whether you’re refurbishing a hotel reception, introducing a coffee bar or reimagining your front-of-house, thoughtful design can improve both the guest experience and the way your team works every day.
Nebrak designs, manufactures and installs bespoke hospitality interiors, reception areas and integrated coffee environments through one complete in-house service. Every project is shaped around your building, your operation and the experience you want every guest to remember.
Planning your next hospitality refurbishment? We’d love to explore what’s possible.
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