Temple Brown x Bullards Spirits | The Tipsy Anchor, Norwich
Last Thursday, we had the absolute pleasure of bringing something special to life in the heart of Norwich. In collaboration with the incredible team at Bullards Spirits, we hosted Spirited Connections — a one-off evening of conversation, connection, and genuinely great drinks, all inside Bullards’ new hidden gem of a venue, The Tipsy Anchor.
It was about more than just drinks. We wanted to create a space where Norwich’s business community could come together in person, connect on a real level, and experience something that felt authentic and energising.
Why We Created Spirited Connections
At Temple Brown, everything we do is about aligning business goals with bold, creative action. So when Russell Evans at Bullards told us they were looking to build awareness around The Tipsy Anchor, we didn’t just look to social media or traditional ads. We asked, how do we create something that actually brings people through the door?
That’s how Spirited Connections came to be a real-world experience designed to let people feel the Bullards story, not just see it on a screen. The result? A buzzing room, some unforgettable conversations, and a fresh way to introduce a local brand that’s steeped in history but always moving forward.
Bullards Spirits: A Norwich Original
With roots that go all the way back to 1837, Bullards is a true Norwich icon. From its origins in brewing to becoming an award-winning gin distillery, the brand has stayed true to its heritage while constantly evolving. The Tipsy Anchor is the latest chapter in that story — a characterful space that blends craftsmanship, history, and a bit of that Bullards charm.
Having Russell share the Bullards journey with everyone on the night added something really special. You could feel the pride and passion in every word.
A Room Full of Good People and Great Ideas
We were lucky enough to be joined by some of Norwich’s most exciting business leaders, creatives, and collaborators. The atmosphere was full of energy, the conversations flowed just as easily as the drinks, and the space came alive.
It was amazing to see familiar faces like James Groves, Francesca de Lacey, Chris Jones, Harry Harris, Mitchell Brown, Ben Temple-Wilson, Nathan Lomax, Jen King, Benn Morris and so many others who brought a real buzz to the evening.
Big thanks as well to Will George, who captured the night perfectly behind the lens. Keep an eye on our channels for the photo and video highlights.
Why In-Person Experiences Matter (Especially for Brands in Retail & Hospitality)
We all know how powerful social media can be. But for a lot of brands, especially those just launching or finding their feet, starting with digital can feel like a heavy lift. It’s expensive, it takes time, and it can be hard to know what kind of content will actually land.
That’s why we’re big believers in the power of real-world experiences.
Instead of spending weeks building a social media strategy before your audience even knows who you are, a well-executed in-person event can cut straight to the point. It gets people through your doors, lets them experience the vibe first-hand, and gives you a bank of content you can then use to kickstart your digital marketing in a way that feels real.
That’s exactly what we did here. One night. One space. A full room of engaged people and weeks’ worth of valuable, authentic content to share online.
It’s not just a feel-good approach. It’s a smart one. It’s cost-effective, memorable, and gets people talking.
Why Temple Brown Gets It
Here’s the thing. We’re not just creatives sitting behind laptops dreaming up ideas. Ben Temple-Wilson and I (Mitchell Brown) both started out in the retail and hospitality world. We know what it takes to bring a physical space to life, how important atmosphere is, and what makes a customer feel like they belong.
That’s what makes our approach different. We understand the pressures of opening a venue, launching a brand, or trying to do something different in a busy world. And we bring that practical, grounded understanding to every experience we build.
If you’re launching something new, want to bring people into your space, or need a fresh way to introduce your brand, this is what we love doing. Let’s create something that people don’t just see, they feel.
Final Thoughts
We created Spirited Connections to show what can happen when creativity meets intention. When a venue isn’t just promoted, but experienced. When a drink isn’t just poured, but shared in the right setting, with the right people, for the right reason.
We’re already buzzing with ideas for what’s next. If this sounds like something you’d love to be part of, let’s talk.
And to everyone who came along, thank you. You made the night what it was.
Find out more:
– Temple Brown – Creative Strategy, Branding & Experience
– Bullards Spirits – A Norwich Original Since 1837
