
THE PENNY BUN
The Penny Bun is a contemporary inn located near Ilkley and Denton Moor in Yorkshire, blending modern and traditional elements. They embrace sustainability, using local, seasonal ingredients and eco-conscious design. Inspired by the surrounding nature, the inn’s rooms are designed for relaxation, offering a TV-free environment to encourage rest and digital disconnection. The inn is close to both Harrogate and Leeds, providing a peaceful yet accessible getaway. As part of the upcoming Denton Reserve, a 2,000-acre sustainable destination, it sets the tone for the reserve's commitment to environmental conservation and luxury.
The Denton Reserve, opening in January 2025, offers eco-conscious stays, immersive events, and sustainability initiatives, emphasising biodiversity, carbon capture, and sustainable farming.
THE BRIEF
Vision was responsible for both the design and installation of the kitchen at The Penny Bun. The kitchen needed to support two key functions: catering to the day-to-day needs of the pub while also supplying food to the nearby Denton Reserve. A crucial aspect of the brief was the emphasis on sustainability and modern efficiency, specifying that the kitchen must be equipped entirely with electric appliances that would be sustainably powered. Vision approached the project with a strong focus on energy efficiency, selecting advanced, environmentally conscious equipment such as Thermaline cooking stations and Rational Combination Ovens to reduce energy consumption and operational costs, while still delivering high performance. These appliances ensured the kitchen met both current demands and future sustainability standards.
DESIGN
The initial brief outlined a preference for a two-island setup; however, upon further evaluation, it became clear to us that this configuration was not optimal for the available space and did not facilitate an efficient hot and pastry pass layout. To address these issues, we proposed a redesign incorporating a continuous central ‘T’ shape counter, which effectively created a dedicated pass for the pastry section while extending the hot pass directly facing the cooking area, enhanced by refrigeration and a pass-through hot cupboard beneath. Additionally, the preparation and dishwashing areas were strategically relocated to more convenient and ergonomic positions in the southern section of the kitchen, further improving the overall workflow and efficiency of the space.
DESIGN
Due to the lowered ceiling height, Vision designed one half of the kitchen with a dedicated cookline, including an extra canopy to accommodate ventilation needs. The canopy system had to account for the varying ceiling levels, requiring ducts to rise inside the building before exiting through the roof. Keeping the ducts internal presented a challenge due to the low ceiling height near the cookline, requiring the ductwork to be routed through the first-floor restrooms. Removable panelling was installed to allow for regular cleaning access. Externally, the ducts were colour-matched to blend seamlessly with the building's exterior, addressing planning constraints by ensuring they remained out of sight from the front. Noise control was also a major consideration in the design, given the proximity of nearby residential cottages. To address this, acoustic fans were installed within the building to effectively reduce sound levels.
TESTIMONIAL
“We were thoroughly impressed with Vision’s ability to deliver a kitchen that reflects our commitment to sustainability. Their team expertly addressed design challenges such as the low ceiling and planning restrictions, providing creative solutions that worked effortlessly. The result is an efficient, modern kitchen that not only meets but enhances our needs at The Penny Bun. We're incredibly pleased with the outcome and would highly recommend Vision!"
- Andrew Creese, General Manager at Denton Reserve