Bar Tigra
Bar Tigra
Tigra is a laneway bar and restaurant located in Sydney’s Quay Quarter Lanes precinct, sharing a two-level building with sibling cocktail bar Disco Pantera. Created by owners Gordon and Ross Purnell, the venue draws inspiration from their love of entertaining, travel, and the laneway cultures of cities like Barcelona, NYC and Tokyo.
The brief was to create a brand identity that captured this eclectic spirit. The brand needed to sit somewhere between a relaxed European aperitivo bar and an energetic late-night NYC city hangout. It also needed to reflect Tigra’s offering of curated wines, aperitifs and elevated small plates while fitting naturally within the vibrant laneway setting.
The Solution
The Tigra brand draws from the energy of 1970s New York nightlife combined with the ritual of European aperitivo culture, creating a visual identity that feels both vibrant and refined. Illustration became a key part of the brand world. Inspired by the playful abstraction of Spanish artist Joan Miró, which is also referenced in the venue’s interior design, the identity uses bold shapes, warm tones and expressive forms to build a vibrant visual language.
At the heart of the identity is the moon and spoon motif. This distinctive mark references Tigra’s all-day food offering while subtly hinting at the nocturnal energy of New York nightlife.
Typography also plays an important role. The logo uses vintage-inspired serif letterforms influenced by classic
European café signage, bringing a sense of heritage and elegance that balances the brand’s playful illustrations.
The Result
The final identity captures the duality of Tigra’s concept. It feels relaxed but energetic, refined but full of character. Across menus, signage and brand touchpoints, the visual language creates a cohesive experience that reflects Tigra’s global inspirations, from New York nightlife energy to the convivial culture of European aperitivo bars. The result is a brand that feels distinctive within Sydney’s CBD hospitality scene while complementing the laneway atmosphere of Quay Quarter.
Awards
Winner of World 50 Best Bars, best bar design in the world 2025
