Celebrating Mancunian heroes, Amber Alehouse pairs local drinks with epic historical music, to achieve the true Manchester spirit. Smart_ were challenged by partner, HMS Host Europe to develop a bespoke restaurant & bar for the new Manchester airport – one that would impress and engage guests with local history and be an embodiment of sense of place design.
Amber Alehouse celebrates the unique – it’s a tribute to being different and non-conformant, to rebelling and refusing today’s-imposed fashions, brands, and behaviours, just like the Manchester of the 1970s to 1990s. This spirit is reflected in its rough décor, strong musical influences, and local brand selection – rather than the big brands.
Amidst Manchester’s once-crumbling railway arches and red-brick industrial facades, microbreweries are now supplying delicious craft beers to the city’s pubs. Headlined by Seven Bro7hers brewery, Amber Alehouse is a modern industrial gastropub focusing on a variety of local craft beers, cask ales and small-batch lagers. The beers are paired with elevated bar food classics, with attention given to shared portions and healthy options.
The narrow linear floor plan challenged Smart_ to creatively transform the space into a function-oriented gastropub with clear sightlines from the Airport concourse. Full height Industrial glazed storefront panels offer uninterrupted views to strategically located design elements – from the well-defined bar and keg display at the entry to the remaining length of the dining area. Generous ceiling heights as well as vast wall areas set the foundation to support a meaningful design aesthetic, the result is a thoughtfully curated space for all to enjoy.
Reminiscent of an industrial brewery – an impressively long bar features oversized beer taps. Adjacent to the bar, a view into the keg cooler through full-height warehouse inspired glazing creates a strong visual connection to local products and nods to the industrial history of the city. Further storytelling is found along the walls where large-scale, vintage, black-and-white imagery celebrates the music, artists and culture that put Manchester on the map. All the materials used in the design are raw and honest, with an emphasis on iron structures, factory-style glazing elements, concrete, reclaimed wood, and copper accents. In keeping with the overall airport sense of place and symbols of the city, reminders of bees and beehives are discreetly reflected in the colour palette, geometric logo, and details throughout.
