Perched above the industrial complex at the Simonds Farsons Cisk Brewery, the Cisk Tap and underlying Grist flexi space work in synergy with each other. Capitalising on the industrial hardware which was present in the space, alongside contemporary additions, the team wanted to create a monument to this icon of Maltese heritage, paying homage to the beer brand that has become a National icon and a legacy of the brewery. The inspirations for the project were various, all stemming from the Maltese urban landscape where Cisk is most enjoyed. The layered process behind brewing was the ultimate conceptual process which the team examined closely, resulting in a layered bar consisting of rammed concrete in different hues. From the village bar mirrors to the iconic brown glass bottles, the interior architecture of the project plays with glass and light across the width of the space.

On the fourth floor of the brewhouse, The Grist is an event space designed to house events of different natures. Honouring the industrial machinery and using it as a backdrop, the space is a multipurpose and flexible space used for social events, business activities, entertainment and television production. The success of the space lies in its ability to work symbiotically with the bar and to host events of different types and size due to its flexible ceiling equipment grid and the possibility to extend or shrink its floor area.

A collaboration such as this between Openworkstudio and Forward Architects meant that an extended team of architects and designers worked together with the marketing teams at Simonds Farsons Cisk, and strived to generate the best expression of a much-loved brand and story. In the events that will take place both in the rooftop Cisk Tap and underlying Grist, there will be new relationships forged and stories told.

This project was awarded the 2023 MASP Award for Interiors in Commercial Spaces by the Planning Authority.