The conversion has been guided by a commitment to retaining and celebrating the building’s original features. The coffered ceilings, solid timber parquet flooring and mosaic tiled floors have all been carefully restored, preserving the craftsmanship and material character of the original interior. The original vault door has also been retained as a tangible reminder of the building’s former life.

These historic elements are set against a striking contemporary palette of steel, warm oak and richly textured leather. The interplay of warm natural materials with the precision of the metalwork and the richness and character of the original features creates a bold, layered interior that celebrates the contrast between the building’s classical heritage and its new identity.

The design makes efficient use of the existing building, accommodating the restaurant, kitchen and ancillary facilities within the established footprint, with only a minimal extension required to provide an accessible WC. External interventions have been kept to a minimum, with carefully considered alterations addressing the practical requirements of the restaurant whilst respecting the building’s architectural character and its setting within the conservation area.

At the heart of the restaurant, a central bar acts as both a focal point and an element for separating the interior spaces. A suspended halo, finished with cascading leather straps, defines the bar as a distinctive feature whilst subtly dividing the space into more intimate dining areas. To the rear of the bar, a dedicated takeaway hatch opens directly onto the entrance lobby, allowing the resteraunt to accommodate both dine-in and takeaway customers without compromising the experience. The detail also draws inspiration from the building’s former use as a bank, reinterpreting the traditional cashier’s desk through a contemporary intervention that connects the building’s new function with its history.

Beyond the physical transformation, the project secures a sustainable future for a once-redundant building, bringing renewed activity to Slaithwaite’s village centre. By combining the sensitive restoration of original features with a distinctive contemporary interior, Rumpus demonstrates the potential of adaptive reuse to preserve local heritage whilst creating an exciting destination for the local community.