Belfry expands Ryder Grill restaurant with orangery by Hampton Conservatories

Hampton Conservatories has completed a landmark project at The Belfry Hotel & Resort in Warwickshire, installing a bespoke glazed orangery as part of a major refurbishment of the venue’s flagship restaurant, The Ryder Grill. The development forms part of an £80m investment into the prestigious golf and leisure destination, known internationally as a four-time host of the Ryder Cup.

Commissioned by Elliott Group, which is overseeing the broader refurbishment, the 230m² orangery exemplifies Hampton Conservatories’ commercial design capabilities. Sympathetic to the host building, the structure incorporates brick detailing to match the existing architecture, alongside elegant Edwardian-style windows and doors, classical pilasters and twin hipped roof lanterns measuring 9x7m and 9x4m.

The extension’s scale and structural integrity were made possible by Hampton’s proprietary roof system, originally developed using engineering techniques from bridge construction. The lightweight yet robust design allowed for expansive proportions without compromising classical aesthetics.

“This orangery gives the restaurant significantly increased capacity while maintaining a strong visual and physical connection to the Brabazon course and the wider resort,” said Mervyn Montgomery, joint director of Hampton Conservatories. “It’s a privilege to contribute to such an iconic venue.”

The design features double doors opening out to both the front and side, creating a seamless link to the golf course and surrounding landscaping. One of the project’s more complex challenges was the integration of high-capacity air-handling equipment, which was discreetly housed within the roof lanterns following a redesign of the supporting structure.

Eddie Campion, managing director UK at Elliott Group, said Hampton’s attention to detail had been “instrumental in exceeding the highest standards of design and functionality”.

The project highlights a growing demand for premium, architecturally coherent glazed extensions within the hospitality sector, particularly as operators seek to elevate guest experience and maximise all-weather dining space.