At Baptt Interior Fit Out, we’ve always believed that a good fit out is more than just walls, flooring, lighting and furniture; it’s about creating a feeling. The kind that makes you want to stay for one more drink, order that extra dish, and tell your friends about the place before you’ve even paid the bill.
Our recent project at Ocasa Bar in Manchester was exactly that kind of job. Yes, we built the space. But more importantly, we built the mood. The team at Ocasa wanted something more than just a bar with tables and taps: they wanted their customers to feel like they were stepping into a laid-back Mexican evening, even on a grey Tuesday in Manchester.
Experience matters more than ever
What can often make a dining experience memorable can come down to not just the food, but rather, where and how you have it. It’s the music in the background, the light above your table, the colour on the walls, the way you feel when you are there. We’ve seen it again and again: customers are happy to pay more when the experience feels worth it. They can also be more motivate to come, return business is essential to any restaurant.
That’s what Ocasa got right. The whole package. When people walk into a space and immediately relax, or feel curious, or just get that “this is my kind of place” vibe. That’s when the magic happens.
A space that invites you to stay
So what does Ocasa look like? In a word: warm. It’s got that kind of glow that makes you want to sit down and settle in. The colour palette is bold but comfortable, think rich earthy reds, terracotta, soft yellows, and little moments of green. The lighting is soft and low, with the occasional beam of daylight sneaking in from above.
Every part of the layout was thought through with feeling in mind. Cosy corners for small groups, long bench seating for shared plates and big catch-ups, and a bar that actually makes you want to sit and chat with the bartender. The ceiling opens up the space, while textures in the seating and walls keep things feeling grounded and personal.
It’s not trying too hard. It’s just… right.
Why presentation changes perception
There’s this funny thing that happens in restaurants: the same meal can seem to taste entirely different depending on where you eat it. A plate in noisy space might feel rushed and forgettable. But put it on a heavy ceramic plate, in an incredible environment with the low hum of music and the scent of fresh lime in the air? Suddenly, it’s a highlight of your week.
That’s why we take our job so seriously: not just building the thing, but thinking through what the customer is going to feel in it. Ambient lighting, seating textures, the height of a table, even the way sound moves through the space, it all changes how people experience their food and drink.
And Ocasa got it. They knew it wasn’t about having flashier cocktails or louder playlists. It was about balance. About creating a space that adds just enough to the experience that people feel good without quite knowing why.
The impact of a well-designed space
If you run a hospitality business, you’ve probably asked yourself: does it really matter what the space looks like? Our answer — always — is yes. People don’t post pictures of menus. They post pictures of booths, of cocktails with backdrops, of their friends sitting under a perfect light. They remember the vibe. That’s what keeps them coming back.
And that’s why now is a great time to consider a refresh. Whether your space needs a few tweaks or a full fit out, the impact of a thoughtful interior can be the difference between a one-time visit and a loyal regular. It doesn’t need to be showy. It just needs to feel intentional.
At Baptt, we’ve worked on everything from bold, colourful spaces like Ocasa, to quiet minimal cafes, to high-end retail shops. But the goal is always the same: help our clients create spaces where people actually want to be.
Ready to rethink your space?
If you’re wondering how your current space is making people feel, click here to organise a chat. Sometimes all it takes is a new layout, a few material swaps, or better lighting to shift the whole atmosphere. Other times, it’s a full rework from the ground up. Either way, we love getting stuck in.
We’re proud to have worked on Ocasa Bar and even prouder to see people enjoying it. It’s not just a bar. It’s a place that makes people want to stay longer, smile more, and maybe even order dessert.
And really, that’s what a good fit out should do.