Friendly's Music Pub by Kvadrat Architects: A Heartfelt Tribute to Music, History and Design

Reviving the Spirit of an Iconic Space in Astana

In a young city like Astana, cultural landmarks are rare—and even rarer still are places with long and glorious histories. Friendly's Music Pub, reimagined by Kvadrat Architects, is one of those rare treasures. Located in one of the capital's oldest pubs, this 4843 sq ft space is both a celebration of musical heritage and an immersive, experience-driven interior.

Blending the essence of a traditional British pub, the rugged edge of American bar culture, and the raw aesthetic style of industrial design, the reimagined Friendly's stays true to its roots while pulsing with the rhythm of modern nightlife.

Eternal Materials and Patina of Memories

The soul of the space lies in its layers—old leather upholstery, weathered wooden elements, metallic accents, and softly lit, cozy lighting—all carefully preserved and restored. Rather than stripping the place of its character, architects amplified it. Years of use only enhanced the richness of materials, making textures and finishes tactile, sensitive, and historically evocative.

"We didn't rewrite the past—we wrote the next chapter," say designers from Kvadrat Architects.

A Place That Lives Every Night

As its name suggests, Friendly's is more than just a pub—it’s a stage for performances and a cultural hub. Live rock, jazz, acoustic shows, as well as comedy acts and DJ nightlife events draw crowds who want more than just a drink—they seek an experience. The location encourages interaction, movement, and unexpected celebrations.

Hidden Humor and Interactive Details

The play of design is deeply embedded. The pub contains a series of hidden treasures that delight guests and create memorable moments:

• 🔒 Secret Door: Hidden at the end of a corridor, this wooden latch can suddenly swing open to reveal an unexpected drink from the bartender. Locals call it "Harry Potter's Room," nestled under a staircase in an enchanting style.

• 🌿 Apollo Statue (Women's Toilet): A whimsical classical sculpture with a movable leaf. Lift it, and the bar light turns on—eliciting applause from the crowd.

• 🎶 Music Toilet (Men's Room): Activates on movement, the toilet plays music when used, and a mirror hangs playfully at two meters high.

• 🎸 Club 27 Memory Wall: A tribute to rock legends who passed too early—Kurt Cobain, Eddie Vedder, Jimi Hendrix and others—represented in a gallery dressing room setting.

These whimsical details transform the evening into an event, creating stories that visitors tell long after their visit.

Local Craftsmanship with Global Inspiration

Everything—from lighting to furniture—was custom-made by local artisans following the project design from Kvadrat Architects. This not only rooted the pub in Kazakhstani culture but also gave it a unique, handcrafted character that mass production can never achieve.

Photos © Gleb KramchaninovPhotos © Gleb KramchaninovPhotos © Gleb KramchaninovPhotos © Gleb KramchaninovPhotos © Gleb KramchaninovPhotos © Gleb KramchaninovPhotos © Gleb KramchaninovPhotos © Gleb KramchaninovPhotos © Gleb KramchaninovPhotos © Gleb KramchaninovPhotos © Gleb KramchaninovPhotos © Gleb KramchaninovPhotos © Gleb KramchaninovPhotos © Gleb KramchaninovPhotos © Gleb KramchaninovPhotos © Gleb KramchaninovPhotos © Gleb KramchaninovPhotos © Gleb KramchaninovPhotos © Gleb KramchaninovPhotos © Gleb KramchaninovPhotos © Gleb KramchaninovPhotos © Gleb KramchaninovPhotos © Gleb KramchaninovPhotos © Gleb Kramchaninov

Friendly's Music Pub by Kvadrat Architects is more than just a renovation—it’s a recreation rooted in nostalgia, music and architectural humor. From its timeless textures to captivating surprises, this project proves that great design isn't just about how a space looks—it's also about how it makes people feel. In Astana’s evolving cultural landscape, Friendly's stands as a symbol of identity, memory and joy.