Tapped — Grafton Street, Dublin

A bold new chapter for a familiar Dublin landmark. The transformation of the former Porterhouse Central into Tapped brought a fresh identity to a venue connecting Nassau Street with Grafton Street.

The design takes inspiration from the workings of the Porterhouse brewery, translating its industrial character into a distinctive social space. Exposed materials, strong colour and bespoke features create an interior that feels energetic, informal and full of personality.

The venue reopened in September 2022, with a 15-metre concrete bar and more than 50 drinks taps at the heart of its new concept. Different seating arrangements provide places for larger gatherings as well as quieter conversations, bringing variety to the experience throughout the venue.

Tapped, Grafton Street, Dublin — Empty bar counter with liquor bottles on shelves and shot glasses lined up on the counter in a modern bar.

Raw Materials, Bold Details

Concrete, stainless steel and red metal establish Tapped’s distinctive material palette. Exposed brickwork and ducting reinforce the industrial character, while a continuous red design feature links counters, furniture, seating and lighting throughout the interior.

Revealing the building’s existing fabric was central to the transformation. Layers of panelling were removed to uncover older brickwork and traces of original archways, allowing the building’s history to become part of its new identity. Glass-brick drinking counters introduce a contemporary contrast to these textured surfaces.

Reuse also played a role, with repurposed brewery kegs incorporated into furniture and decorative features. These elements connect the finished interior to the brewing process that inspired it.

Together, the materials and details create a space where the building’s past remains visible within a confident contemporary design, inspired by Third Mind Design.

Tapped, Grafton Street, Dublin — Bar with illuminated bottle shelves, barstools and a red perforated metal counter viewed through a restored original brick archway.
Tapped, Grafton Street, Dublin — Modern bar with a long counter, high stools, and liquor bottles on illuminated shelves.
Tapped, Grafton Street, Dublin — Empty bar with a long counter, barstools, and shelves stocked with various bottles of alcohol in a modern, stylish setting.
Tapped, Grafton Street, Dublin — Bar with an array of liquor bottles on a backlit shelf, bar stools in front, and a red bar counter in a modern, stylish setting.
Tapped, Grafton Street, Dublin — Interior view of a modern, stylish lounge or cafe with red and blue decor, featuring hanging lights, tables, and round seats.
Tapped, Grafton Street, Dublin — Red bar counter with high red chairs and black chairs around it in a dimly lit restaurant or bar with exposed brick wall and hanging lights.
Tapped, Grafton Street, Dublin — Red metal bar tables and chairs in a modern, industrial-style space with black barrels on the ceiling and warm yellow lighting.
Tapped, Grafton Street, Dublin — Tiered lounge seating with red cushions, hanging lights and an exposed industrial ceiling.
Tapped, Grafton Street, Dublin — Modern interior space with exposed concrete pillar, green ventilation ducts on ceiling, red partition, computer monitors, black stools, and gray cushioned seating.
Tapped, Grafton Street, Dublin — Interior of a modern bar or restaurant with brightly colored blue and red furnishings, including red round stools and blue tables, with a bar area visible in the background featuring shelves with bottles.
Tapped, Grafton Street, Dublin — Modern interior of a restaurant or cafe with black walls, unique teal-colored furniture, and circular stools in the foreground. There are exposed pipes and industrial-style lighting.
Tapped, Grafton Street, Dublin — Red perforated metal lockers or cabinets with a vertical handle in an indoor setting.
Tapped, Grafton Street, Dublin — Interior of a restaurant or bar with red booths, hanging black pendant lights, and colorful industrial-style ceiling fixtures.