Bondgate Brewery is a new micro-brewery producing craft beer in Hexham, Northumberland. They asked me to design their new logo and brand identity, along with designing their bottle labels, beer pump clips and coasters for the first three beers they will be producing.

Bondgate takes its name from the owner’s residence and the logo is made up of a pen and ink illustration of the arched gateway remains in Hadrian’s Wall.

The client wanted the beers’ names and labels to have a coherent identity, with the theme of legends and mythology running throughout. All three labels feature illustrations by artist Daniel Cubbage and were commissioned especially for the labels.

Each design needed a clear identity tying the beer’s illustration with appropriately-themed typography, whilst also appearing together as part of the new Bondgate range of beers.

The first beers Bondgate will be producing are called Ghost Empire Pale Ale, Tiger Fish IPA and Storm Crow Black Ale.

Tiger Fish IPA comes from the Bengali word for the Ganges Shark – a feared predator that stalks the waters past Calcutta, the destination of the first IPAs in India.

The name Ghost Empire comes from nearby Hadrian’s Wall and features an illustration of a legion of Ghostly Roman soldiers marching with Hadrian’s Wall in the background.

The final beer, Storm Crow Black Ale, centres around the crow – thought by the ancient Greeks to foretell storms, and by the Celts to mediate between the living and the dead.

“Working with Neil was a pleasure and resulted in creative and engaging branding for my business.  In addition to providing ideas and guidance throughout the process, Neil also delivered proofs in a very efficient and timely manner and was very accommodating of any changes.  I would highly recommend Neil to anyone looking for both an excellent working relationship and highly professional results”.
Ben Heaven
Bondgate Brewery