The Task

Bar "CLOSED" in Newcastle offers a bold and creative dining and drinking experience that embraces a "raw, rotten, and loud" concept. The menu champions local produce with pickling, fermenting, and curing techniques, creating a zero-waste, nose-to-tail and root-to-leaf philosophy. The objective was to create an inclusive, tasteful atmosphere that encourages shared experiences.

‍The Idea

The notion of "A Smuggler's House" drove our thinking, weaving together elements of privacy, secrecy, and a strong sense of community. These hidden spaces provided refuge for smugglers and facilitated a tight-knit community built on mutual support. The idea fuses the past and present, where the allure of secrecy meets the warmth of belonging.

‍The Outcome

Our concept, "Romantic Punk," merges a rebellious spirit with romantic elegance, resulting in a unique, unexpected blend of confidence and illusive charm, rawness and refinement.