The Fork & Tap by Nikki Wilson Studio

ArchiPro Project Summary - The Fork & Tap revitalizes a historic Arrowtown ale house with seismic strengthening and a thoughtful interior refit, blending original features with modern comforts to create a vibrant community space.

Title:: The Fork & Tap
Interior Designer:: Nikki Wilson Studio
Category:: Commercial/; Hospitality
Region:: Arrowtown, Otago, NZ
Completed:: 2023
Photographers:: Nikki Wilson Studio
Paul Green

The Fork & Tap is an Arrowtown institution; an ale house, community hall and second lounge. Following extensive seismic strengthening, we worked with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga among other consultants to refit the interior.

Evidence of the original layout (circa 1874) can be seen in the brick embedded in the schist walls, we re-installed the native timber floors, rotating the direction 90 degrees at times to trace the original footings beneath. Bricks were saved and returned as wait station dividing walls.

We re-configured the bar layout to allow for greater leaning/drinking/standing room. Dining areas were separated just enough to be comfortable, while allowing visibility to the bar. Intimate corners sidle up with rowdy corners and places to wedge in children. It is a busy place - we kept circulation space to a minimum but made it very clean and clear.

Materials are reminiscent of a London pub, solid darkened timber, brass, mottled glass, velvet and wallpaper. The Fork & Tap’s collection of objects from the gold rush were respectfully given their own dedicated places.

Scope of service: Full interior architecture

Photographed by: Paul Green

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Professionals used in The Fork & Tap

Nikki Wilson StudioInterior Designers

About the Professional

Project Portfolio

Formed in 2016, we are a highly experienced interior architecture studio based near Queenstown, New Zealand. We work on a wide range of projects from hospitality and workplace, to select hotels and residences, for both local and international clients.

Our work is a close collaboration with clients, and often undertaken as part of a collective of architects, developers, branding agencies, writers, chefs, craftspeople and artists. We have strategic partnerships with many of these people and work as an ‘and friends’ studio, bringing in specific expertise as needed. We love it when, in the process of creating a space, our work informs, and is informed by multiple disciplines.

A foundation of research and writing is key for all our projects. We find histories and narratives particular to each client, their building, their brand, the urban context, and landscape. Then, working between the conceptual and the operational, the emotive and the pragmatic, we embed these stories in the design in order to make extraordinary spaces.

Our projects share a commitment to a layered and tactile approach in the use of materials, to craftsmanship, and to a level of detail that touches everything from the masterplan to the tablecloth, across all budgets.

Should you wish to explore your project aspirations, we invite you to reach out to our team.