Brandelation - Case Study: The Barn

Case Study: The Barn

The Barn is a new venue, situated on the outskirts of Chester. It is a spectacular 400 year old converted dairy farm set in beautiful Cheshire countryside. The impressive renovation took 2 years to complete and has resulted in a striking interior filled with character and a range of charming features. The venue offers a restaurant, bar, private dining and wedding venue facilities.

The brief
The Barn's owner spoke to us about the team's passion for the restaurant industry and their vision of a place that offered its diners something completely different and unique, which was at the same time comfortable and familiar. Brandelation joined the team to assist with the launch and ongoing marketing requirements.

The objectives
To build & establish a brand which complements the venue's look & feel.

To launch the new venue on and offline, enhance local talkability, create a buzz!

To establish a 12 month marketing plan with the aim to increase awareness, reservations and revenue.

The execution
The countdown started in June 2008 with just 2½ months until launch night. Working with partners we got straight to work on the brand pack: a name, logo, signage, stationery, menus, uniforms and so on. As the artwork for the branding emerged, work began in parallel with the online tools: registering the web site address, building the site, setting up email accounts and of course registering with online search and booking sites.

The launch event was a complete success with over 300 guests joining Chester's Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress at the VIP event. Other guests included ITV news reporter Lucy Meacock along with local residents and key people from a range of regional businesses. During the exclusive preview of the spectacular venue guests were treated to champagne, canapés along with taster portions of selected delicious dishes displayed around the venue.

We established a relationship with a local PR firm to assist with the launch and to support the ongoing marketing activity with directory listings, press releases, features and articles.

Reservations came in thick and fast at the launch event, with word of mouth and online reservations The Barn is currently enjoying ongoing success during its opening season.