Staycationing at the Yard is here as Urban Splash announces the Bistrot Pierre Rooms and a new ferry route

The Bistrot Pierre Rooms concept comes from the restaurant and bar business of the same name, which has successfully operated at the Yard since 2014. Located within the Grade I Listed Residence 1 building at the scheme, the 14 Rooms will celebrate the building’s Georgian surroundings, with original features retained and complemented by contemporary additions.

Speaking of the news, Urban Splash director Emily Handslip said: “I am absolutely delighted to announce that we have taken our relationship with Bistrot Pierre to the next level and that visitors will now be able to staycation at the Yard for the first time.

“The Yard’s fortunes have been completely transformed; from a disused, rundown and unloved space just ten years ago, to what is now one of the best places to live, work and play in the South West. Bistrot Pierre Rooms is another fantastic dimension to what’s on offer.”

Added Rob Beacham, director at Bistrot Pierre, who will open the doors to the Rooms later this year: "We are really excited about the opportunity to open Bistrot Pierre with Rooms in Plymouth. It's a model that has worked well for us elsewhere and The Yard is such a stunning place and so successful for us, it felt like the natural next step.”

The designs for the rooms come from Jackie Gillespie of Gillespie Yunnie Architects who are the lead architects on the broader Yard development; “I am delighted to be leading on the design of the Rooms,” she said. “Visitor accommodation at the Yard is something the whole team’s been keen on, as we know it will add to the site’s overall proposition; I am confident we’ll create some stunning interiors on this project.”

The news comes as Urban Splash has also contracted Plymouth Boat Trips to undertake a new ferry route; offered daily from the Yard to the Barbican, the new operator will maintain the link between the development and the centre of Plymouth. A new route will also be added, with passengers able to catch the ferry from the Mayflower Steps to the Yard or Mount Edgcumbe.

Emily concluded: “The new ferry will offer a hop-on, hop-off service and link a number of iconic Plymouth destinations – which is great news for anyone living at, working at or visiting the Yard.”

The Yard has been a hive of activity in recent weeks; the social enterprise Column Bakehouse has opened at Ocean Studios, ID Fashion hosted its second birthday and catwalk show and the inaugural Yard festival saw thousands of visitors descend on the scheme.