As of yesterday morning, work crews were still putting the finishing touches on a makeover of Punch Bowl Social. But as of today, the makeover is complete, and the Flats East Bank restaurant now has a 9-hole mini golf course It's also been spruced up a bit.
The mini golf course has a Nordic Woodland theme that’s reflected in molds that were created by real trees and hand sculpted pieces. The course begins and ends at a bar at the front of the restaurant, and drink stands exist at each hole.
There’s also a selfie station featuring laser-cut Tord Boontje paper draperies that line the wall of a photo nook, and the restroom near the golf course now has a mural by local Cleveland artist Charley Frances that’s based on Scandinavian folklore.
The mini golf course's vestibule and bar also features a hand-painted large scale wood grain mural and Norse metal detailing, including door knockers that were custom fabricated by Cleveland-based Blacksmithing.
Other subtle changes have taken place too.
"We tried to brighten the space up with some new wallpaper, and we've moved on from the barn wood and covered it up with brighter tile, so the place is illuminated a little better," says Punch Bowl CEO Robert Thompson as he gives us a tour.
There are several Punch Bowl Social restaurants throughout the country, but Cleveland is the first one to feature a mini golf course. Thompson says the company will add mini golf courses to other Punch Bowl Socials in the future.
"This is a big deal for us to make the first one here in Cleveland, where the weather isn't so great in the winter," he says. "It was also important for us to launch in time for holiday season, so people can book Christmas parties here if they like."
