Client Overview
Whatley Manor is a prestigious 5-Star Hotel & Spa, renowned for luxury hospitality and exceptional dining experiences. Under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef Niall Keating, the estate began a complete refurbishment of its professional kitchen to meet the highest standards of hygiene, durability, and efficiency.
Challenge
The existing tiled walls were no longer meeting the demands of a modern, high-performance commercial kitchen. The team faced several ongoing issues:
- Time-consuming cleaning of grout lines
- Frequent repair or replacement of cracked and damaged tiles
- Rising maintenance costs
- A need for a more hygienic and aesthetically superior surface
To support a Michelin-level kitchen environment, a more robust and reliable wall system was essential.
Solution: Jemiclad Pro Hygienic Wall Cladding
Whatley Manor appointed Jemiclad to deliver a premium hygienic solution. The selected product, Jemiclad Pro, is a 2.5mm solid extruded PVC sheet known as the professional’s first choice for commercial kitchen cladding.
Key Features of Jemiclad Pro:
- Impervious and hygienic surface
- Exceptional durability under demanding conditions
- Easy to clean with no grout lines
- Ideal for commercial kitchens and food preparation areas
To complement Jemiclad Pro, 304-grade stainless steel was specified for high-temperature zones where surfaces may exceed 60°C (140°F).
Installation Process
The installation was carried out by Jemic, Jemiclad’s in-house expert team. Prior to fitting the panels, Jemic performed a full substrate assessment:
- Testing existing tiles to identify loose or de-bonded areas
- Removing defective tiles and making walls good and level
- Degreasing remaining tiles to ensure proper adhesion
Using Jemifix 2-part adhesive, Jemiclad Pro panels were installed directly to the substrate.
Additional installation details included:
- Two-part joint trims between PVC panels
- A resin floor transition trim designed to interface perfectly with Acrylicon Décor, the ideal resin flooring partner for Jemiclad systems
This complete approach ensured long-term performance and a seamless hygienic finish throughout the kitchen.
Client Testimonial
“Six months on and it still looks as good as day one! #kitchengoals”
— Executive Chef, Niall Keating
Outcome
The refurbishment delivered:
- A high-performance, hygienic wall system suitable for Michelin-level food preparation
- Reduced maintenance and significantly easier cleaning
- A modern, professional aesthetic befitting a 5-star luxury hotel
- Long-term reliability thanks to the combination of Jemiclad Pro, stainless steel, and specialist installation
Conclusion
Jemiclad is proud to support Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa in achieving a world-class kitchen environment that meets the exacting standards of Chef Niall Keating and his team. With its durability, hygiene performance, and refined finish, Jemiclad Pro continues to prove why it is the professional’s choice for commercial kitchen cladding.