Situated right on Blackpool’s famous central promenade, we transformed the former Royal Carleton hotel into The Glass Tower, a luxurious destination featuring 38 bedrooms, a brand new restaurant and a bar open to guests and the public alike. It’s already shaping up to be one of the most exciting new venues in the north, and we’re proud to have played a central role in making it happen.

As the lead contractors on this project, Thompsons redeveloped the ground floor, and our involvement went far beyond the build itself. Drawing on our extensive experience delivering fit-outs for hotels and leisure venues across the UK, we helped design the manufactured joinery elements, including bespoke seating, metal screens, and an over-bar gantry, as well as pulling together the wall and floor finishes throughout. To keep the client informed and confident at every stage, we also created CGI visualisations so that each element could be reviewed and approved before works progressed.

We were proud to collaborate on this project alongside our sister companies, Thompsons Solar and Daedalian Glass Studios. Daedalian Glass Studios crafted bespoke glass feature screens that feature prominently throughout the hotel’s design, adding a distinctive character that sets The Glass Tower apart. Meanwhile, Thompsons Solar, our specialist renewable energy division, installed a low-profile, flat roof-mounted system covering the full roof of the building. With a total solar array size of 31kW, it’s expected to generate around 24,000kWh of green power per year, reducing the hotel’s carbon emissions while also strengthening its long-term energy security.

As a family-run business based right here in Blackpool, projects like this one carry extra meaning for us. Seeing a landmark building on our doorstep brought back to life, sustainably, beautifully and to the highest standard is exactly what we’re here to do.

The result? A standout destination. The Glass Tower is a modern, sustainable venue that adds real value to the promenade, and it’s a privilege to have been part of its transformation.

If you’ve seen “Being Gordon Ramsay” on Netflix, then you’re familiar with 22 Bishopsgate and Lucky Cat, the luxury dining experience that resides there. Located on the 60th floor of London’s highest skyscraper with stunning 360-degree views across the City, this restaurant is a true culinary destination. Gordon Ramsay himself described 22 Bishopsgate as “the most ambitious project I’ve ever opened in my entire life”, so we were honored to be trusted with bringing this vision to life and to be featured in a Netflix series!

Overcoming challenges 

Despite the challenging circumstances, including a high footfall of stakeholders visiting the site regularly, the site being in a building that was already occupied by other tenants, and the addition of a filming crew, our team delivered to our usual exceptional standard. Our work included a complete turnkey construction solution, involving members from across our construction, electrical, bespoke manufacturing, SHEQ, logistics, and buying departments. Another challenge we overcame was an influencer event happening on level 61, the rooftop terrace of 22 Bishopsgate. Guests had to sign in at Level 59, get a lift up to Level 60, walk through our live site and up to the rooftop. This meant we had to set up temporary walkways, provide chaperones, and ensure the safe movement of over a hundred influencers and staff, all while maintaining the smooth running of the event.

The Result: A Culinary Spectacle 

The result is the creation of a stunning setting for London’s highest restaurant, where guests can witness a culinary spectacle thanks to the open kitchen at the heart of the restaurant, as well as its signature raw bar. Gordon Ramsay was right when he said “Bishopsgate is high risk but high reward, it’s one of my final stakes in the ground. Something that I’ll be remembered for.” and if you’ve ever had the joy of visiting, you’ll know it’s a culinary experience like no other

Our successful collaboration 

Working on this project has certainly been a highlight for us. Our team loved soaking up those breathtaking views of London while working to create a space to dine with a difference. “Given the success of Lucky Cat, we were asked to work on Level 59, Bread Street Kitchen, which we are mid-way through and looking to complete by the end of April. We’re so proud to be involved in these projects and to continue our successful working collaboration with Gordon Ramsay Restaurants,” said Jon McGrath, Thompsons Managing Director.

Planning your next project? 

Our passion for excellence and creativity drives us to deliver exceptional results, time and again. If you’ve got a project in mind, then we’d love to hear from you. Contact us and we’ll bring your vision to life, delivering excellence nationwide.