The Dozing Duck – a new gastropub for Center Parcs

EP Consulting played a key role in the development of the first waterside gastropub of its kind for Center Parcs in the UK, located at Sherwood Forest. The project, valued at £4m, features a dynamic space catering to 250 guests indoors and 150 outdoors, along with a range of innovative activities like shuffleboard, crazy golf, and live entertainment. Our team ensured the design and installation of state-of-the-art building services, creating an energy-efficient and sustainable venue.

Scope of Work

Our engineers provided full mechanical and electrical design services, including the design of kitchen and restaurant ventilation systems, services for food and beverage preparation equipment, and advanced lighting. We also installed a robust infrastructure such as Wi-Fi / structured cabling for tills and booking systems. Our focus on sustainability saw the integration of solar power, heat recovery, and natural ventilation, alongside energy-efficient lighting with DALI scene setting.

Challenges and Solutions

With the project’s large scale and diverse requirements, including DDA compliance, we faced challenges ensuring seamless integration of both traditional and innovative systems. We carefully designed energy-efficient solutions while maintaining the aesthetic and functional needs of the space, and overcame logistical hurdles related to site layout and infrastructure integration.

Results and Impact

The gastropub now operates as an environmentally friendly, highly functional venue, featuring cutting-edge services and offering a memorable guest experience. EP Consulting's contribution has ensured the building's efficiency and sustainability, significantly reducing its carbon footprint while supporting local businesses and the wider community.