Each Apricus project begins with a story of people, spaces, and small brands finding their light online. Here are a few handcrafted websites built to feel as human as they look.
The Dough Room is a hidden speakeasy-style pizzeria tucked away at 22 Tib Ln, Manchester M2 4JA. The challenge was to capture the mystery and intimacy of their in-person experience. From ringing the discreet doorbell to climbing the stairs into a warm, dimly lit tavern, every part of the visit needed to be reflected online. The goal was to design a digital home that invites curiosity while matching the cozy, handcrafted charm of the restaurant.
To mirror the feeling of discovery, I built a fully custom-coded website that guides visitors through the experience with subtle sound, smooth transitions, and cinematic motion. It includes the same sensory details you encounter in person — the ring of the doorbell, the sound of footsteps climbing the stairs, and the soft background music that plays once you enter the tavern. The color palette draws from the candlelit interior, using gentle amber tones to evoke warmth and comfort. The final design feels like stepping inside before even arriving.
The finished site reflects The Dough Room’s identity perfectly. It feels intimate, slow-paced, and personal. It now serves as a natural digital extension of their brand story and helps them share the hidden pizzeria experience online while keeping its sense of mystery.
Marleo is a vibrant Sicilian street food concept located at Unit 151, 15 Pollard St E, Manchester M40 7QX. They needed a website that felt warm and functional, bringing all of their Quick Commerce delivery links together in one place while keeping the energy of Sicily alive through color and personality.
I visited their restaurant in person and captured photos to understand its atmosphere and colors. From there, I matched their exact color palette and theme to bring that same feeling into the website. Built entirely from scratch, the design balances personality with usability, using vivid contrasts and gentle motion to express warmth and authenticity. The layout is clean and responsive so customers can order easily while still feeling the character of the brand.
The result is a site that feels heartfelt and full of life. It celebrates Marleo’s roots while giving them a modern digital presence that connects their food, story, and customers in one simple space.