Carry On is an immersive cocktail bar in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, that transports visitors to the golden age of aviation in the 1960s–70s through its unique interior design.
The venue is located in a renovated building in downtown and designed in a retro-futuristic style: the interior simulates the cabin of a mid-20th-century jetliner with modern technological enhancements. The project was executed by the Pretty Decent Concepts team, led by Phoenix-based designer Peter Bowden, and took nearly two years of meticulous work to complete.
The result is an intimate 30-seat space with not a single random detail — every element of the design serves to create an authentic “in-flight” atmosphere.
Concept and Style
Conceptually, Carry On revives the romance and glamour of 1960s air travel, when flying was both a privilege and an event. The designers drew inspiration from mid-century aesthetics: the interior echoes luxurious business jets and commercial cabin design from the 60s and 70s. The space strikes a balance between retro and modern, described by critics as “a masterclass in retrofuturist design.”
From classic materials and forms to modern tech — everything supports a cohesive narrative, immersing guests in a “Mid-Century Modern meets the future” atmosphere. The goal is to evoke nostalgia while offering an updated, high-end bar experience.
Layout and Ergonomics
While the interior imitates an aircraft cabin, designers consciously avoided cramped aviation discomfort. The layout prioritizes guest comfort: spacious soft chairs with deep seating, generous legroom, and reclining options. Seating includes cozy booths, standalone lounge chairs, and intimate tables for two — allowing for privacy or social interaction as desired.
Despite the compact footprint, the space doesn’t feel crowded: precise spatial planning mirrors aircraft proportions without confinement. Entry is via a stylized jet bridge carpeted corridor, reinforcing the aviation journey theme. Inside, the illusion of a fuselage is maintained, ensuring functionality and fluid movement.
Materials and Finishes
The interior is dominated by authentic materials and hues from the mid-20th century. Walls and ceilings feature polished walnut panels for warmth and texture. Brass details — trim, furniture accents, and lighting — evoke vintage luxury. Upholstery in deep chestnut and caramel tones recalls classic jet seating. Quilted leather sofas and chairs combine period aesthetics with contemporary comfort.
Chrome details — bar facade, decorative elements — add a technical sheen, nodding to jet-age aesthetics. The material palette blends nostalgia (wood, gold-toned metals, vintage leather) with durability and visual appeal — a must in premium HoReCa interiors.
Lighting and Technology
Lighting at Carry On is choreographed like a theatrical performance, evolving throughout the “flight.” The experience begins with cool ambient lighting, emulating takeoff. At cruising altitude, warm rose-gold tones fill the cabin — like a golden hour sunset viewed from 30,000 feet. This rhythm eases guests into relaxation.
Retro-styled sconces and personal lamps add atmosphere. Window-like “portholes” are actually embedded LED screens showing skies, clouds, and destination landmarks (e.g., Golden Gate Bridge or Teotihuacan). Technology is seamlessly embedded: cocktail service includes a glowing “Martini lamp” on the table — a nod to in-flight call buttons. Immersion without disrupting the retro style.
Atmosphere and Thematic Details
Carry On’s atmosphere is built on detailed storytelling: aviation signage (“Fasten Seatbelt,” restrooms), a pilot-like bar counter, and textile choices in burgundy and navy evoke jet interiors of the past. Staff uniforms mimic those of 60s–70s flight attendants, reinforcing the immersive experience.
Designers paid attention to every element — even the entrance ramp with custom carpeting and lighted fuselage connection. This precision in detail amplifies emotional connection and showcases the power of design storytelling in HoReCa.
Recognition and Critical Acclaim
In 2025, Carry On won the Best Bar Design Award from North America’s 50 Best Bars — naming it the most stylish bar on the continent. The jury praised the concept as “mile high design meets mixology,” recognizing the interior as an essential part of the guest experience. Critics highlighted the seamless blend of retro styling with ergonomic upgrades that surpass real air travel.
Carry On proves that interior design can be the primary storytelling vehicle in hospitality. The Bowden x Pretty Decent Concepts project goes beyond aesthetics — it evokes emotion and narrative. For designers and investors alike, this is a case study in how thoughtful thematic design elevates brand identity and competitive edge. Carry On sets a new standard in immersive bar design.
Sources: Phoenix New Times, My Modern Met, World’s 50 Best Bars
