In the heart of the picturesque Warwickshire village of Moreton Morrell lies The Black Horse, a traditional village pub with a modern twist. Serving the community since 1886, this beloved local pub underwent a complete refurbishment in 2023.
As part of this transformation, Design One was tasked with creating a new brand identity that would reflect its commitment to locally sourced produce while retaining the pub’s historic charm.
The Black Horse had several unique challenges that needed to be addressed through its rebranding. The name itself had significant equity among the locals, but it did not fully capture the pub’s extensive range of local craft ales and fine wines. The new identity had to:
- Showcase the wide variety of local ales, wines, and craft coffee.
- Appeal to new customers while resonating with long-standing patrons.
- Be adaptable for various uses, from hanging bar signs to branded clothing.
- Integrate seamlessly with the newly refurbished interiors.
Design One developed an iconic and instantly memorable logo featuring a distinctive uppercase “B” with a horse’s head silhouette in monochrome. This versatile logo can stand alone as a symbol or be paired with the full wordmark set in a contemporary sans serif font. The modern yet timeless approach sets The Black Horse apart in its category, highlighting its unique position in the market.
A contemporary graphic was introduced to distinguish and stand-out from the competition. This cohesive graphic programme ensures consistency across all touchpoints, from menus to displays.
Working in partnership with an exceptionally creative interior designer, Design One ensured that the new brand identity was reflected in every aspect of the pub’s interior. The signage complements the beautifully refurbished rooms and creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere that blends tradition with modernity.
The rebranded identity was rolled out across a variety of platforms and materials, including:
- Online Presence: The new logo and branding were integrated into The Black Horse’s website and social media profiles, creating a consistent and engaging online presence.
- Staff Clothing: Branded clothing for the staff features the new logo, ensuring a professional and cohesive appearance that enhances the overall customer experience.
The rebranding of The Black Horse has been met with widespread approval from both the local community and new visitors. The striking new identity has successfully highlighted the pub’s unique offerings and modern twist on tradition, attracting a broader customer base. The collaboration with the interior designer ensured that every aspect of the pub’s refurbishment was aligned with the new brand, creating a compelling and memorable proposition.
Design One’s rebranding of The Black Horse is a testament to our ability to create distinctive and effective brand identities that resonate with both traditional and modern sensibilities. By addressing the specific needs of The Black Horse and leveraging our expertise in the hospitality sector, we have helped transform an historic village pub into a vibrant, contemporary destination.
For businesses, entrepreneurs, and interior designers seeking a design consultancy that can bring their vision to life, Design One offers a proven track record of delivering creative excellence and driving successful branding projects. If you’re ever in Moreton Morrell, be sure to visit The Black Horse and experience the remarkable transformation for yourself.