NELSON’S DINER, NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE

Retro revival with a modern twist - bringing American diner style to life underfoot.

Why this space matters

Nelson’s Diner isn’t just a place to eat – it’s a destination. Set in the heart of Newbury’s Kennet Shopping Centre, the space is designed to transport customers into a classic 1950s American diner, complete with chrome fixtures, candy-coloured booths, and eye-popping wall art. The floor plays a central role in the visual identity, helping to deliver the atmosphere, energy, and personality customers come for.

This is not just a floor...

It’s where Americana meets appetite.

The brief

Hull Flooring was appointed by BMS Limited to complete a 300m² flooring refurbishment as part of the full redesign of Nelson’s Diner. The goal: to deliver bold, retro-inspired flooring that would reinforce the classic American aesthetic while meeting the practical demands of a busy, high-footfall restaurant.

We were tasked with installing a combination of patterns, colours, and finishes across multiple zones – from bar areas to dining booths – with seamless transitions and a standout checkerboard centrepiece.

Making it work

Our team installed a curated mix of Polyflor luxury vinyl tiles and homogeneous tiles to achieve the retro look. The central area featured Polyflex Plus PU tiles in Anglian Red and Mourne Grey, laid in a traditional chequerboard pattern to immediately set the tone.

Around the booth seating and bar areas, we used Expona Commercial PUR in Light Grey Concrete, and Expona Bevel Line PUR in Portland Stone and Black Matrix, creating highlight arcs and a subtle backdrop for the bold furniture and wall design.

Each area was precisely measured and finished to ensure visual alignment and performance under pressure – including durability, ease of maintenance, and suitability for a busy foodservice environment.

The result

The new flooring scheme elevated the interior of Nelson’s Diner, delivering high visual impact while staying practical for everyday restaurant use. The mix of styles and finishes created a clear visual identity, enhancing the dining experience and supporting the brand’s retro appeal.

“We’re delighted with the finished look of the diner and the flooring complements the interior design scheme perfectly. The fact it is easy to maintain is also a big bonus for our staff and the everyday running of the restaurant.”

– Shelly Francis, Owner, Nelson’s Diner

At a glance

• Client: Nelson’s Diner (via BMS Limited)

• Sector: Leisure / Hospitality

• Size: 300m²

• Timing: Refurbishment programme

• Key materials / systems:

  • Polyflex Plus PU – Anglian Red & Mourne Grey (checkerboard)

  • Expona Commercial PUR – Light Grey Concrete

  • Expona Bevel Line PUR – Portland Stone & Black Matrix

Outcome:

Visually striking retro flooring installed to spec; practical and easy to maintain; helped bring a full brand experience to life