MARGATE OFF LICENCE
2021
Creative direction, colour and material selection, layout guidance, bar design, and vintage sourcing.
PHOTOGRAPHY 1 & 2 - Jessica Smith
CREATIVE DIRECTION | WORN POP
The creative direction was derived from a mutual love shared with the client for greasy spoons and laundrettes—nostalgic interiors that are warm and inviting. The key was to create a lived-in feel, rather than a space that was overly designed.
COLOUR AND MATERIAL SELECTION
Colours and materials were chosen specifically to align with the worn pop direction, featuring nostalgic corduroy fabric for the banquette and teak panelling on the walls. The aesthetic was slightly elevated with the addition of brass elements, a high gloss finish on the back bar, and retro red accents throughout the lighting. The overall feel is bold yet cohesive enough to house the owner’s eclectic artwork and collections, which bring the space to life.
BAR DESIGN
The idea was always to have a ‘hero’ pop bar on the back wall of the space. The ziggurat shape was inspired by the 1920s lido structure directly outside. This stepped-pyramid style was equally popular in Art Deco architecture, drawing inspiration from ancient Mesopotamian temples. It introduces an air of fantasy and eccentricity, which works well against the more laid-back aesthetic of the bar. The shape makes for a perfectly playful yet practical structure to display unique objects alongside essential glassware and bottles.
A vintage bar was sourced for the front to contrast with the hi gloss graphic shaped back shelving.
BAR PHOTOGRAPHY Betty Saunders
VINTAGE SOURCING