The Cove: Our Ocean-Themed Cocktail Bar & Floor Installation in Manchester
When we first walked into the blank canvas that would become The Cove, we immediately knew this project would be something special. The owners wanted an immersive, ocean-inspired cocktail bar that captured the movement, depth, and serenity of the sea — not just in theme, but in the materials themselves. At Epoxy by Design, we’ve always believed that epoxy and resin can transform commercial interiors in ways few other materials can. This project in Manchester would prove exactly that.
Throughout this blog, you’ll see photos of the finished bar, floor, and design process, showing how we brought The Cove to life — from shimmering resin bar tops to a metallic epoxy floor that looks like a tranquil tropical lagoon.
Designing The Cove: A Concept Inspired by the Ocean
The concept for The Cove was simple: transport guests to a coastal paradise the moment they step inside. Every surface was designed to echo the textures and tones of the ocean — the deep blues of open water, the sandy copper of the shore, and the glinting reflections of light dancing on the surface.
We worked closely with the bar’s design team to select colors, finishes, and textures that would capture that natural fluidity. Our aim was to create a cohesive look where the resin worktop, epoxy bar top, and resin flooring all flowed together as one seamless piece of art.
At Epoxy by Design, we specialize in decorative epoxy resin flooring and custom resin worktops that blend craftsmanship with creativity. The Cove was a chance to showcase the full potential of these materials.
Creating the Resin Bar Top – A Work of Art in Itself
The bar is always the centerpiece of any venue — it’s where people gather, talk, and enjoy the atmosphere. For The Cove, we wanted the resin bar top to feel like a living shoreline. Using worktop resin pigments, we layered rich bronze tones with vibrant ocean blue epoxy to mimic the natural meeting of sand and sea.
We poured the worktop epoxy in multiple stages, using wave-like techniques to achieve the fluid transitions you can see in the photos. Each pour was carefully blended to preserve the organic shapes and marbling patterns that make resin so mesmerizing.
The result? A resin worktop that looks as though the tide has just rolled in — glossy, deep, and full of movement. When the pendant lighting hits it, it glows with a glass-like finish, emphasizing the natural contours in the epoxy bar top.
But the resin bar top isn’t just beautiful; it’s also practical. We finished it with a waterproof coating for long-term durability, making it resistant to spills, scratches, and the daily wear of a busy cocktail bar. In a hospitality setting, functionality is just as important as aesthetics — and epoxy resin gives you both.
From Shoreline to Sea: Installing the Resin Floor
The real showstopper at The Cove is the floor. We wanted guests to feel as if they were walking across calm, shallow water — something that would reflect light and movement, giving the entire space a serene, oceanic glow.
To achieve that, we created a metallic epoxy floor using high-grade epoxy resin flooring materials. The color palette combined turquoise, aqua, and pearl white with subtle metallic effects that shimmer as you move. The technique we used creates the illusion of depth and fluidity, turning the entire floor into a moving piece of art.
This type of resin flooring isn’t just visually stunning — it’s also incredibly strong. Epoxy is one of the most durable materials available for commercial spaces. It forms a resinous floor that’s seamless, hygienic, and easy to clean. That’s why so many venues are moving away from traditional tile or wood and turning to epoxy flooring for both design and durability.
Our flooring installation contractors team prepared the substrate meticulously, ensuring a smooth and even base before applying the decorative epoxy resin flooring system. Proper preparation is crucial in achieving that glass-like finish, especially when using resin for floors with metallic pigments.
Why Epoxy Resin Flooring is Ideal for Bars and Restaurants
Bars, restaurants, and hospitality spaces are demanding environments. They face constant foot traffic, liquid spills, cleaning agents, and daily wear. A traditional floor can quickly lose its shine, but a resinous floor made from epoxy and resin can withstand it all while maintaining a stunning appearance.
Here are a few reasons why we often recommend resin flooring for hospitality projects like The Cove:
Seamless Surface: Epoxy creates a completely smooth surface without grout lines or seams, making cleaning effortless.
Durability: It resists impact, abrasion, and chemical spills better than almost any other material.
Custom Aesthetic: With decorative epoxy resin flooring, we can replicate anything from marble to ocean waves — no two floors ever look the same.
Waterproof Coating: The entire system forms a coating waterproofing layer that prevents damage from moisture or spills.
Longevity: Properly installed epoxy floors can last decades with minimal maintenance.
For The Cove, these benefits meant that the owners could enjoy a unique, ocean-inspired space that was also practical and cost-effective in the long term.
From Floor to Bar: The Unified Ocean Aesthetic
One of our goals in this project was to create a cohesive environment — a place where every surface told part of the same story. The epoxy resin flooring flows visually into the resin counter tops, making the entire bar area feel interconnected.
We used complementary colors so the resin bar top appears as an extension of the floor, almost as if the sea rises up to form the bar itself. When guests walk in, they’re surrounded by reflections, shimmering tones, and soft lighting that play across the surfaces — exactly like sunlight dancing on water.
The photos of the finished floor and worktop capture this interplay beautifully. You can see how the turquoise epoxy reflects the pendant lights above, while the bronze undertones of the bar top provide warmth and contrast.
It’s this harmony between design and craftsmanship that truly defines The Cove.
The Craftsmanship Behind the Resin Work
Every epoxy and resin project we take on requires a balance between creativity and precision. There’s an art to working with worktop epoxy and resin for floors — it’s all about timing, temperature, and technique.
At The Cove, our team poured multiple layers of resin over several days, ensuring each one cured perfectly before adding the next. We used advanced techniques to achieve depth, clarity, and color separation, giving the illusion of ocean waves suspended in motion.
The bar’s curves and corners required special attention. We handcrafted each edge of the resin counter tops for a perfectly smooth finish, avoiding any sharp seams or imperfections. Finally, we sealed everything with a high-gloss waterproof coating, providing both protection and a mirror-like reflection that enhances the ocean effect.
This attention to detail is what sets Epoxy by Design apart as one of Manchester’s leading flooring installation contractors specializing in decorative epoxy resin flooring.
The Practical Benefits: Waterproof, Durable, and Easy to Maintain
Beyond aesthetics, epoxy resin offers incredible practicality — a key reason it’s so popular in both commercial and residential settings.
The entire installation at The Cove was designed with performance in mind. From the resinous floor to the resin bar top, every surface is coated in a waterproof coating that prevents damage from spills, humidity, or cleaning products.
This coating waterproofing system means that liquids can’t penetrate or stain the surface — a huge advantage for busy bars and restaurants. And because epoxy is a non-porous material, it’s also resistant to bacteria and mold growth, keeping the space hygienic and easy to maintain.
Even after months of heavy use, the epoxy flooring at The Cove continues to look as stunning as the day it was installed. The combination of durability and visual impact makes resin flooring an unbeatable choice for hospitality venues.
Resin Beyond the Bar – Expanding to New Spaces
While The Cove showcases the artistic side of epoxy, the same materials are being used in a growing number of applications. Our clients in Manchester and across the UK are discovering that resin for floors isn’t just for bars — it’s ideal for kitchens, garages, and commercial showrooms too.
For example, epoxy resin for garage floors provides the same level of durability and waterproofing as it does in hospitality environments. Meanwhile, resin kitchen floors bring a modern, seamless aesthetic that’s easy to clean and built to last.
At Epoxy by Design, we’re proud to be part of this growing trend — helping clients bring creativity and practicality together through epoxy and resin solutions.
The Finishing Touches: Lighting, Texture, and Mood
A key part of The Cove’s success is how lighting interacts with the epoxy surfaces. Warm, amber pendant lights hang above the bar, casting a golden glow that enhances the depth of the resin worktop. The soft light bounces off the metallic epoxy floor, creating gentle ripples of reflection that make the space feel alive.
We also incorporated natural textures — like wood panelling and hanging plants — to balance the sleek finish of the resinous floors. The combination of materials gives the venue warmth and personality, while the decorative epoxy resin flooring provides a modern, high-end foundation.
As shown in the photos, the final effect is a space that feels both luxurious and organic — a tranquil escape in the heart of Manchester.
Sustainability and LongevitY
We believe in building things that last. The epoxy flooring and resin counter tops at The Cove are designed for long-term performance, reducing the need for replacement or maintenance. That longevity makes epoxy a sustainable choice in the broader sense — fewer materials, less waste, and a lower environmental impact over time.
Additionally, our installation process minimizes disruption and waste, allowing us to deliver premium results efficiently. Whether you’re looking for epoxy resin flooring for a restaurant, resin kitchen floors for a home renovation, or resin for garage floors, you can trust that our systems are engineered for both durability and beauty.
A Manchester Landmark in the Making
Since opening, The Cove has quickly become one of Manchester’s most visually striking cocktail bars. The ocean-themed interior has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike, and we’re proud to have played a key role in its creation.
Seeing guests take photos of the bar and floor — often with their drinks posed against the shimmering blue resin — is the best reward we could ask for. It’s proof that great design doesn’t just look good; it creates experiences and memories.
Reflections on the Project
Every project teaches us something new. At The Cove, we were reminded that epoxy and resin aren’t just materials — they’re mediums for expression. When used with care and creativity, they can transform any environment into something extraordinary.
From the first pour of worktop epoxy to the final polish of the metallic epoxy floor, our team poured passion into every stage. The finished result speaks for itself — a seamless blend of art, function, and craftsmanship.
Your Turn: Bring Epoxy Artistry to Your Space
If you’ve been searching for “flooring installation contractors near me” or exploring decorative epoxy resin flooring options for your home or business, we’d love to help you bring your vision to life.
Whether you want a resin kitchen floor, a resin bar top, or a complete epoxy resin flooring system, Epoxy by Design can make it happen. Our experienced team works with precision, passion, and an eye for design to create spaces that truly stand out.
Take a look at the photos of The Cove throughout this post to see what’s possible when art meets engineering — and imagine what we could create together in your own space.
Contact Epoxy by Design
Ready to transform your home, business, or hospitality venue with custom resin artistry?
At Epoxy by Design, we don’t just install floors — we create environments. Whether it’s a shimmering resinous floor, a handcrafted resin counter top, or a durable epoxy resin for garage floors, we’ll help you bring your space to life with color, texture, and imagination.
Epoxy by Design – Where craftsmanship meets creativity, and every pour tells a story.