Babble

A dormant riverside space is reimagined as a coffee shop at the heart of the village.

The murmurs are true

An opportunity to develop a new brand and coffee shop experience was presented to us by well-loved village pub, Kenny’s of Lucan, transforming its former off-licence into a daytime destination for great coffee, gourmet sandwiches, salads and açai bowls – from morning school runs and work-from-home days to weekend walks. Steeped in history and rich in character, the space sits opposite the river flowing through the heart of the village.

The Evolution

THE CHALLENGE

Nestled between two separate entrances to Kenny’s main pub and lounge, the challenge was to create a fascia that could stand alone while complementing its setting. A hatch window was explored for on-the-go service, alongside a complementary colour palette with enough strength to establish its own identity. Subtle contrasts in texture reflect the gentle energy of the surrounding nature and village life.

NATURAL PERSONALITY

Drawing on the location and everyday charm of the area, the ducks that gather around the river and meander through the village became the fitting characters of this coffee hub. They sit at the heart of its personality and storytelling. The name and brand language extend this idea, rooted in the character of the village while connecting naturally to the offering – creating a coffee shop brand that feels distinctly of its place, yet equally at home elsewhere.

Babble

CREATING FLOW

Practical signage solutions for updatable menus and on-street visibility were explored. Within the compact space, clear wayfinding supports an easy flow, helping busy customers find chilled drinks, condiments or a place to relax in the adjoining bar snug – now known as the Babble ‘nook’.

Small Space. Big Character.

The brand is always in character, with the ducks and language layered through various touchpoints from staff uniforms to cups and packaging. The connection to the brand idea invites exciting opportunities for merchandise too – a natural extension of the coffee shop experience and a chance to take a little piece of Babble beyond the village.

What we did

  • Naming
  • Brand Identity
  • Tone of Voice
  • Environmental Moodboarding
  • Signage & Graphics
  • Packaging & Uniform Design

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