Scruffy Dog gets down to work in the beer garden

A START-UP design company which was launched by a recent graduate of York St John University has won its first contract.

David Turner, who is originally from Whitby, launched Scruffy Dog Design late last year after finishing a degree in design practice at the university.

Mr Turner said he has secured a deal with pub business Pivovar, which is behind the York Tap based at York’s railway station.

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The contract is for Scruffy Dog Design to design an outside bar area or ‘beer garden’ at the pub.

Mr Turner, who owns Scruffy Dog Design, said: “Each piece of furniture has been designed by myself and crafted by Danny Blakey who has set up his own small company, Bare Design.

“The project is full of little design surprises, from coat hooks concealed within tables to large planters doubling as tables.

“Everything is multifunctional to ensure that customers are getting the most from their experiences.”

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Mr Turner added: “Currently, the garden is intended to seat up to 36 people, but as the popularity of the outside area grows there is an opportunity for the external space to be extended, practically doubling the capacity to around 70 people seated.”

He said the value of the contract is currently £11,000, but if the outside area proves popular it might be expanded, potentially increasing the total value to £23,000.

“The garden faces on to the platform so you can see the trains going by. It’s ideal for train spotters,” said Mr Turner.

He is hoping to secure more work focused on the design of bar and pub interiors. Mr Turner, who has also produced a re-design of the asthma inhaler which he plans to showcase at a medical conference in London, said he expects the garden will open next year.

Scruffy Dog Design is moving to a new home at The Phoenix Centre at the York St John University campus, having been previously based elsewhere at the univer-sity.

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