saul studio

Introducing the Meanwood Tavern – a contemporary neighbourhood pub in the heart of a thriving Leeds suburb. The studio were approached by the team behind some of the city’s best spots for drinking and dining to design the brand and concept for their new venture.

With an exciting combination of local craft beers and real ales, XXL slices of Detroit-style pizza, and an expertly-curated list of wines, cocktails and spritzes, the Meanwood Tavern has already become a firm favourite for local residents. The identity needed to embody the vibrancy and warmth of a traditional pub but with a modern feel.

The crescent-shaped building where the pub resides is reflected in a series of semicircle graphics and arches. Used to dress the space, they appear as window decals, wall details and in printed material throughout the pub.

Alongside these components, the chosen typography gives the venue a relaxed and familiar tone of voice, with subtle serifs echoing hand-painted, Victorian-style pub lettering. A mixture of extended and condensed weights with clunky spacing make up the headlines, while Franklin Gothic adds a strong foundation to the brand assets.

The classical pub references continue throughout the logomarks, with a variety of curved typographic compositions that can be adapted to suit any situation. A nature-inspired colour palette takes influence from the local scenery, softening the traditional references running throughout the identity and bringing an aura of modernity to the space.

The project involved the creation of a brand tone of voice, posters, glassware, interior and exterior signage, menus, carpet, social media templates, beer mats, website design and more.

After launch, the studio have continued to work with the venue to develop design material and grow the brand, delivering print and digital design for events and offers, such as tap takeovers with independent breweries, Monday quiz nights and Sunday morning kids craft sessions. We’re excited for their future plans!

Photography by Justin Slee and George Coppock
Interior design by Hunters Daughter