Building on the legacy of Tyrrells Wood Golf Club, we thoughtfully redesigned this historic gem to enhance the member experience and modernise its offering without losing its heritage charm.
Dating back to the 19th century, Tyrrells Wood Golf Club (TWGC) is a historic gem nestled in the heart of Surrey, later shaped by five-time Open Champion and renowned course designer James Braid in the early 1920s.
While rich in tradition and character, the Grade II listed clubhouse needed a thoughtful redesign to enhance the member experience and modernise its offering without losing its heritage charm. Our role was to build on that legacy, creating a more connected, welcoming environment that works for both long-standing members and new visitors.
One of the key challenges was the lack of connection between the clubhouse’s main spaces. The James Braid Room, despite its prime location, felt separate from the Eddie Ward Bar, while the Keswick Room sat disconnected from the wider flow. This meant guests were underutilising, or even avoiding, these key spaces.
Our focus was on bringing these spaces together in a way that felt natural, reimagining 6,650 ft² of space that included the entrance, bars, dining areas and key social rooms to create a more cohesive and intuitive experience.
A widened opening between the Eddie Ward Bar and the James Braid Room seemed like the most natural way to encourage movement. To allow for privacy when the James Braid Room is used for private functions, the addition of a concertina door provided flexibility without disrupting the flow of the space.
Further tying the spaces together, a custom-designed wine display creates a visual link from the Eddie Ward Bar through to the Keswick Room. This elegant feature not only stores 64 bottles but also includes glazed double doors, offering a glimpse into the function room. This uninterrupted visual connection creates a natural flow through all three spaces, subtly encouraging people to explore and engage with the space.
“From the start (developing the design) through development and delivery, the service we received from Design I.D. was the best! We had worked with interior designers before and been disappointed; Design I.D. provided professional input and guidance and listened to our wishes and requests to deliver a project our members absolutely love. I should add that all work was completed on time (7 weeks) and on budget – no mean achievement. On behalf of TWGC, I would highly recommend Design I.D. and Ciara Neve, our Team Leader.”
Jim Shires, Chairman TWGC
Reconceptualised for a superior food and beverage offer and tailored for different events, the two bespoke bars are the soul of the clubhouse.
With the Eddie Ward Bar as the main social hub, its layout was adapted for everyday use and relaxed gatherings. The bar now features 10 beer pumps, 2 ale pumps and a tiered freepour display framed by an antique mirror back bar with carved mouldings. For coffee lovers, a coffee station was created with antique brass pull handles and a panelled reeded glass screen. The Eddie Ward Bar is also equipped with integrated appliances including double bottle coolers, wine fridge, glasswasher, sinks and a till.
Tailored for more intimate settings, the Keswick Room bar now has 4 beer pumps, 1 ale pump, a double bottle cooler and wine cooler. With a glasswasher, integrated till and wash hand basin, the team has everything they to host separate private events and functions.
Both bars were designed in stained oak with traditional Wainscot/Georgian-style panelling that blends with the existing architectural language. To keep consistency across these distinctive areas, the bar tops in both rooms were finished in Himacs Aurora Daymoon with a 75mm bull nose lipping for a classic, substantial feel. The A&H brass foot rails completed the space, adding a touch of elegance through functional detailing.
Carefully curated to balance style, comfort and versatility, a mix of fixed seating, freestanding tables, upholstered chairs, sofas and high-top options allows the space to adapt to different kinds of gatherings and guests. Soft textures and classic create a relaxed atmosphere for socialising while lending themselves to formal occasions.
Throughout the clubhouse, lighting enhances different spaces, prioritising pendant lighting above the bars, bay windows and walkways to create ambience and concealed spotlighting for feature emphasis. Integrated LED strip lighting in shelving and under bar tops in warm white tones and wall-mounted fixtures adds character and layered illumination.
Material choices and detailing were considered to ensure longevity, while finishes, lighting and furnishing updates introduce a renewed sense of comfort without losing familiarity.
Today, Tyrrells Wood Golf Club stands as a more inviting and cohesive clubhouse, one that reflects its history and how people come together nowadays. It is a space designed not just to be seen, but to be used, enjoyed and returned to time and again.
