Description
If you are a connoisseur of cool country wine, craft gin, delicious food, hand roasted coffee, artisan goods, awe-inspiring design, come #ReimagineTheWeekend with us, starting Fridays at 4pm! A market experience like no other: the building itself creates a magical atmosphere, where the seductive combination of light and design simultaneously conjure old-school nostalgia and cool, hip and groovy ‘steampunk’ vibes. The sweeping staircases, detailed metal archways, intricate light fittings and wall sconces, raw brick and black metal framed panes result in a collective double-take as unsuspecting guests enter through its iconic metal doors for the first time. Enchanted by the rich history of the building (designed by a Springbok rugby playing engineer from Somerset West, Stephen Fry, it was erected by Italian prisoners of war and many residents from the area remember assembling apple crates back in the 1940’s), Roger Orpen fell under the spell of an intriguing barn slumbering beside the train tracks. Determined to reimagine a brighter future for this old building, he surmounted various challenges and red tape to purchase it. Taking creative cues from the invention of steam and the industrial age, milestones accompanied by the rapid development of rail networks across the world, Roger fashioned an inspiring space where art deco blends seamlessly with Victorian vintage sensibilities. Working with designer Corban Warrington, Roger eventually set up his own workshop to complete all the fittings and décor elements that brought the project to life, including the popular Beast – a strikingly ornate and fiery rocket stove to keep the market warm in winter. The elaborate Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-style fan system with its belts and pulleys is a firm favourite with visitors and vendors alike. And if you fall in love with any of these fantastical features, get in touch: we just might be able to make your dream come true. An important step in bringing Roger’s vision in
