- Project: The Friendly's Music Pub
- Architect: Kvadrat Architects
- Location: Kazakhstan, Astana
- Year: 2024
- Area: 450 m2
- Photography: Gleb Kramchaninov
Reviving the Spirit of an Iconic Venue in Astana
In a city as young as Astana, cultural landmarks are rare—and even rarer are places with a long and storied past. The Friendly’s Music Pub, redesigned by Kvadrat Architects, stands as one of those rare gems. Nestled in one of the oldest pub spaces in the capital, this 4,843 sq. ft. venue is both a celebration of musical heritage and an example of immersive, experience-driven interior design.
Combining the essence of a traditional British pub, the raw edge of American bar culture, and the rugged aesthetic of industrial design, the Friendly’s redesign stays true to its roots while embracing the pulse of modern nightlife.
Timeless Materials and the Patina of Memory
The soul of the space lies in its layers—aged leather, seasoned wood, metal accents, and dim, ambient lighting—all carefully preserved and restored. Rather than strip the venue of its character, the architects amplified it. Years of use have only enhanced the materials’ richness, making the textures and finishes feel authentic, tactile, and storied.
“We didn’t overwrite the past—we wrote the next chapter,” say the designers at Kvadrat Architects.
A Venue That Lives Every Night
True to its name, Friendly’s is more than just a pub—it’s a performance space and cultural hub. Live rock, jazz, acoustic sets, and even stand-up comedy and DJ nights draw in crowds who want more than a drink—they want an experience. The layout encourages interaction, movement, and spontaneous celebration.
Hidden Humor and Interactive Details
Playfulness is embedded into the design. The pub features a series of hidden gems that delight guests and create memorable moments:
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🔒 The Secret Door: Tucked at the end of a hallway, this rustic barn-locked entrance may suddenly swing open with a surprise drink from the bartender. Locals call it “Harry Potter’s Room”, located under the stairs in pure wizarding fashion.
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🌿 Statue of Apollo (Ladies’ Room): A cheeky classical sculpture with a movable fig leaf. Lift it, and a lamp at the bar lights up—prompting a round of applause from the crowd.
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🎶 Men’s Room Musical Urinal: Triggered by motion, the urinal plays music when used, and a height-measuring mirror hangs amusingly at 2 meters.
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🎸 Club 27 Tribute Wall: A nod to rock legends lost too soon—Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, Jimi Hendrix, and others—immortalized in a dressing room gallery.
These whimsical touches transform an evening out into an event, fostering stories that patrons retell long after their visit.
Local Craftsmanship, Global Inspiration
Everything—from lighting to furniture—was custom-made by local artisans according to Kvadrat Architects’ design. This not only rooted the pub in its Kazakh context but also brought a tailored, artisanal quality that mass-produced elements could never achieve.
The Friendly’s Music Pub by Kvadrat Architects is more than a renovation—it’s a reinvention rooted in nostalgia, music, and architectural wit. From its matured textures to mischievous surprises, this project proves that great design isn’t just about how a space looks—but how it makes people feel. In Astana’s evolving cultural scene, Friendly’s is a landmark of identity, memory, and fun.
