Whether it’s the light golden tone of a lager or the deeper amber look of a pale ale, most pints of beer pour in some variation of the colour brown. But sour beers introduce a whole spectrum of more inspiring hues into the mix — with mango brews taking on a tropical tint, passionfruit sours boasting a sunset-like glow, and strawberry blends even rivalling fruit punch in their ruby red vibrancy. 

New York City’s Talea brewing company understands this segment of the beer market especially well. Since launching in 2019, the beermaker (which is NYC’s first exclusively female-owned production brewery) has become well-regarded for its supersaturated sours. (Recent releases include Watermelon Splash and Tart Deco Banana Split.) In keeping with that same spirit, the beermaker’s fourth taproom, near Manhattan’s Bryant Park, is splashed in a bright, energetic palette that departs from the dark, industrial feel of many brewery taprooms. Credit for the airy, charismatic interior goes to NYC architecture and interior design firm ALA Studio, working with Aerial Design & Build. (Both had also previously partnered with Talea for one of its earlier locations in the West Village.)

Inspired by this new outpost’s proximity to Midtown’s main green space, ALA Studio devised Talea Bryant Park as a kind of indoor beer garden — albeit, a beer garden that reflects the brand’s cheerful identity. “Because of the brand’s personality and the neighborhood context, we knew TALEA’s version of a beer garden had to feel more like a beautiful courtyard where you could sip a refreshing drink, rather than the typical backyard with kegs, corn hole, and big pretzels (although TALEA does have those and they’re delicious…),” says ALA Studio’s Marissa Feddema in the project’s press release.

The end result feels appropriately stately, yet far from stiff. Powder-coated steel sweeps from one side of the space to the other in curved bands, nodding to the idea of an arcade while still maintaining the space’s incredible height. Arched niches (each padded with acoustic PET felt) add to the grand-but-relaxed ambiance, framing the taps behind the bar at the front and breaking up the large seating area into a series of intimate zones each anchored by its own high-top table. In another homage to local architecture, the Artecraft light fixtures  a a tribute to the chandeliers hanging in the NYC Public Library across the street.

As for colour, the taproom stays true to its outdoorsy inspiration by adopting a rich forest green as its dominant hue. From there, a lively mix of complementary hues help to divide the main area into a series of different horizontal planes. The lower portion of the space — including the curved bar area, clad in Mosa tiles, as well as the four-seater tables that extend out from the opposite wall — is splashed in a soft mauve, which gives way to a creamy tone partway up. (Bold black lines accentuate the transition from one colour to another, while also drawing attention to helpful coat hooks.)

The private dining area in the back, meanwhile, features a reddish-orange limewash paint up top and oak veneer wood banquettes down below. As throughout the rest of the space, hanging planters add to the taproom’s verdant appeal.

And yes, you can still order a standard IPA or pilsner at Talea Bryant Park. And while these brews might not be as colourful as their sour counterparts, they’ll still arrive in a pint glass decked in a bold, graphic design. In an environment like this, even standard brown beers glow a little bit brighter.