Building a hospitality brand from the inside out.
Smokin Bar and Restaurant / 01
The ambition
The brief began with a space in Leeds and an idea: an atmospheric bar inspired by Western and American “Smokin” culture. It needed to feel authentic and characterful, with a more considered, premium expression.
We were asked to bring together the venue experience and the communications around it. That meant thinking about how people would discover the bar, what they would encounter on arrival and how the brand would stay relevant after launch.
Smokin Bar and Restaurant / 02
Creating a place with a point of view
The venue direction combined rugged tones, vintage-inspired details and tactile materials with the atmosphere of a high-end saloon. Signage, furnishings, lighting and Western references were considered as parts of one story.
The identity needed to feel present throughout the environment. By developing the physical experience alongside the brand, we could make the promise in the marketing recognisable inside the venue.
Smokin Bar and Restaurant / 04
Connecting the launch with the audience
The communications work covered social creative, geographically targeted advertising and event-specific graphics. These were supported by email newsletters, print advertising and influencer activity described in the original project.
Each format had a different job, from introducing the concept to promoting a particular night. Consistency of imagery and messaging helped the activity lead back to a common venue experience.
Smokin Bar and Restaurant / 05
Thinking beyond opening night
The work continued into menu changes, promotions and ongoing creative support. That continuity matters in hospitality, where the initial launch is followed by the regular task of giving people a reason to visit and return.
Smokin shows how our role can span the physical and digital parts of a brand. Concept, venue, menu and campaign were connected from the outset, creating a foundation the business could continue to use.
WHAT THE WORK DELIVERED
A complete hospitality concept expressed through the venue, menus and marketing, supported by creative updates beyond the launch.
Turning a hidden Leeds bar space into Smokin through venue design, brand identity, menus and connected launch communications.
SERVICES BEHIND THE WORK
NEXT COLLABORATION
Beer Monkey Brew Co ↗
