Andy Thornton Ltd

Taps, Manchester

Client: Thornton Inns Ltd

The Taps concept is based on an American beer delivery system where everything is designed around fixed tables, with each table having a beer font to pour your own drinks. This was seen by the client on a trip to America. The brief to main contractor Andy Thornton was to “Create a comfy bar that does not date too quickly.” From this simple brief, Andy Thornton produced a layout and concept taking references from the building. The building is modern with large windows – this lent itself to a contemporary design. High back fixed seating and individual seating booths were designed to create small intimate areas to break up the space. Seating was also placed at different levels with the use of walnut posts to create a screen effect. This further helped to break up the large open space. The colour scheme is neutral so as not to date quickly. At the front of the venue where there is a large glass feature window, Andy Thornton designed a long sit up bar where customers can look out into Great Northern Square. The finished Taps project is a groundbreaking concept in the UK offering customers the facility to sit down and fill their own glasses with no need to queue and pay regularly for their drinks.