Transforming a pub room into a warm, inviting, and eco-conscious event space…

Turn a basic pub room into a stylish, brand-infused, and sustainable space for a drinks reception and chocolate tasting? Challenge accepted!

Often, bigger budgets make things easier, but to get a strong return on investment (ROI) for some opportunities, budgets need to stay lean. Otherwise, they just don’t make financial sense. As a B Corp, we also factor in something just as important—the Waste-to-Value Ratio (WVR). This measures the proportion of materials that go to waste versus those that are repurposed or reused. The lower the WVR, the better, and that’s exactly what we aim for in every event we create.

For this project, our client, Luker Chocolate (another brilliant B Corp), invited guests to a pop-in drinks reception and chocolate tasting in a pub opposite the Speciality Fine Food Fair. They wanted guests to feel the essence of their brand and get a real taste of South America. The challenge? Working with what we had—without waste or unnecessary expense—while delivering a seamless, sensory, and memorable experience.

So, what are our top tips for transforming a space on a budget while staying sustainable?

1. Work with the venue’s architecture

Instead of fighting against the space, embrace it. We used a window as a frame for a large-scale image and placed another impactful picture above the fireplace to add depth and warmth.

2. Don’t be afraid to rework the layout

A good room flow is essential. Even at high-budget events, a poor layout can frustrate guests (no one likes a bottleneck at the entrance!). Rearranging the furniture ensured a smooth, welcoming flow from the entrance to the tasting area.

3. Prioritise a warm and practical welcome

First impressions count. We made sure our check-in team was friendly, smiley, and well-briefed. A strong welcome message—covering essentials like cloakrooms and bathrooms—ensured guests felt at ease from the start.

4. Always, always have a well-organised cloakroom

Guests stay longer when they’re comfortable. No one wants to juggle coats and bags while trying to enjoy a drink and some chocolate. A designated space for belongings = a happier crowd.

5. Add greenery and colour

We introduced plants to bring in freshness and pots of colour to lift the space. Simple, cost-effective, and impactful.

6. Use natural materials for a relaxed, authentic vibe

Instead of a formal white or black tablecloth (which sends mixed signals about the event’s tone), we went for hessian on the tasting table. This added a natural, casual feel that aligned perfectly with the brand’s ethos.

7. Maximise what the venue already has

Rather than bringing in new serving ware, we borrowed white dessert bowls and spoons from the pub. This saved money, reduced waste, and kept things practical.

8. Set the mood with background music

At pop-in events, guest numbers fluctuate, and you never want the room to feel too quiet. We created a playlist featuring a mix of Colombian artists and upbeat hits, keeping the energy just right.

9. Reuse, don’t waste – especially for signage

Instead of printing one-time-use foamcore signs (which are awful for the environment), we used picture frames to display drinks and food menus. Not only do they look great and reinforce branding, but they also cut down on printing waste and costs.

10. Finally, add a little sparkle ✨

Fairy lights make all the difference. They subtly lift the space, add warmth, and create a cosy, inviting atmosphere—even if their magic doesn’t quite translate in phone photos!

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💡 The Takeaway? A stunning event doesn’t have to mean big budgets, excess waste, or over-the-top design. By maximising what’s already there, focusing on experience, and keeping sustainability front and centre, you can create something special, smart, and impactful—without the waste.

Thanks to Colour Studios for working closely with us to print on recycled cardboard that flat packs down for resuse or is fully recyclable.

Would love to hear your go-to tips for making a space feel warm, welcoming, and eco-friendly! Drop them in the comments. 👇