Gilly’s Pub & Liquor Store
Brand Identity | Social Media Design | Website Design | Merch Design
Gilly’s is a rebrand project based from The Gillnetter Pub in Port Coquitlam. For 37 years, this nautical themed pub has been a favourite amongst locals. Adjacent to the Fraser River and the PoCo trail, it’s a resting place for people to sit back and enjoy the view with friends and family. The purpose of this project was to redesign an already established and locally loved restaurant. The exterior and interior design is quirky and cohesive, but the logo, branding and visual identity across all physical and media platforms needed an update. I’m thrilled about how it all came together in a sophisticated style, without losing the traditional feel.
An important element throughout the theme of this project are the ropes seen weaving throughout the logo and most of the designs. A lot of inspiration was derived from the interior design of the pub; from fishing nets, traps, boeys and hooks, there was a myriad of textures to create a cohesive visual narrative that echoed the restaurant’s nautical theme.
The Fraser River was another inspirational contender for this project. The deep blue adds a touch of sophistication, and pairs together nicely with a neutral ‘silt silver’ colour which was sampled from a photograph of silt from the river. Later on, an accent colour which I named ‘roe red’ is inspired from the salmon spawning that happens every year. The colours aim to evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection to nature, highlighting the quirky elements in the interior.
A challenge with any project is attempting to portray a feeling. At Gilly’s I want people to feel like their cup (of beer) is half full; this billboard ad was designed to do just that. A person smiling with a hot burger, and a larger-than-life beverage to wash it down. It’s a simple message, but it’s a social place where people get together at the end of a long, hard-working day.
Designing the user interface for a nautical-themed restaurant blended functionality with the whimsical charm of maritime exploration. Inspired by the clean lines and fluidity of river waves, I created a digital experience that echoed the restaurant's nautical ambiance. The interface was designed with intuitive navigation, mimicking navigating a fisherman’s boat, ensuring seamless interaction for the user to explore the menu offerings, open mic night, trivia, and specials. Embracing the restaurant's theme, I incorporated an outline of a boat window around each of the four icons.
Overall, the branding of this nautical-themed restaurant was a voyage of creativity and storytelling. Throughout the entirety of the project, I sought to evoke the spirit of adventure that defines Gilly’s identity. From the logo to the user interface, every element was crafted with precision and passion, aiming to immerse patrons in an experience that transcends mere dining. By capturing the essence of the sea through typography, color, and imagery, the brand invites diners to embark on a culinary journey anchored in tradition yet propelled by innovation. Ultimately, these designs serve not only to elevate the restaurant's visual identity but also to cultivate a sense of connection and nostalgia, inviting patrons to set sail on a voyage of taste and discovery with every visit.