Smecere Manor Tavern: Heritage hospitality brand

Smecere Manor Tavern, Branding & Ongoing Design Support

Smecere Manor Tavern, Branding & Ongoing Design Support

Client

Smecere Muižas Krogs (Madona, Latvia)

Industry

Hosptiality

Services

Foundation, Application & Ongoing Support — identity, menus, signage & guest touchpoints

Scope

Visual identity, menus, signage, social & print

Role

Brand identity & design partner

[CHALLENGE]

Smecere needed to reopen an 18th-century manor as a modern destination for dining, stays, and events, without losing its sense of place. The identity had to feel considered enough for guests, yet flexible enough for menus, signage, uniforms, and daily content.

Client

Smecere Muižas Krogs (Madona, Latvia)

Industry

Hosptiality

Services

Foundation, Application & Ongoing Support — identity, menus, signage & guest touchpoints

Scope

Visual identity, menus, signage, social & print

Role

Brand identity & design partner

[CHALLENGE]

Smecere needed to reopen an 18th-century manor as a modern destination for dining, stays, and events, without losing its sense of place. The identity had to feel considered enough for guests, yet flexible enough for menus, signage, uniforms, and daily content.

[APPROACH]

[APPROACH]

I built the identity around the manor’s architecture and history, pairing a heritage-led visual language with a flexible system for everyday use. Since launch, the work has expanded across guest-facing and internal touchpoints while keeping the experience calm, distinctive, and rooted in place.

[LOGO SYSTEM]

[LOGO SYSTEM]

The mark turns Smecere’s history into a working identity: a barrel seen from above, twelve clock-like lines for time, and an S at its centre. Paired with the manor illustration and flexible lockups, it gives the business a recognisable signature across formal and everyday applications.

[MENUS]

[MENUS]

Menus were designed around local reading habits, with Latvian first and Russian and English versions supporting visitors. The result balances heritage and clarity, helping guests move through a multi-language dining experience with ease.

[LUNCH OFFER]

[LUNCH OFFER]

The lunch offer uses the logomark as a clock, with the dish and serving window built into the composition. A simple visual cue turns a time-sensitive offer into something instantly understood.

[STORY COVERS]

[STORY COVERS]

Instagram highlights use familiar, direct symbols, a clock for reservations, a blanket for stays, and a glass for drinks. The system gives guests an immediate route to what they need, while keeping every cover distinctly Smecere.

[ROAD SIGNAGE]

[ROAD SIGNAGE]

Before committing to a permanent roadside sign, I produced day and night visualisations that showed the team how it would read in context. I then prepared production-ready files, helping turn a high-stakes investment into a more confident decision.

[RESULT]

[RESULT]

“Working with Ren was a great experience from start to finish. He guided us through each step and really took the time to understand the history and vision we had for the manor. His approach made the process feel clear and stress-free, and the final result reflects the place perfectly. I would highly recommend Ren to any business owner looking for a design partner they can trust.”

Toms Bergs | Founder & Owner