In a creative blend of flowers and cocktails, Nashville business owners Mattie Bush-Martin and Taylor Martin are transforming the idea behind their rehearsal dinner into one of the city’s most anticipated new bars. Set to open in mid-to-late November, the Pont Neuf Flower Bar will be located inside the bustling L&L Market, offering a fresh, floral-infused gathering spot for West Nashville residents.
Inspired by a Unique Rehearsal Dinner Experience
The concept for the bar stems from the couple’s personal experience at their rehearsal dinner. “Our rehearsal dinner was in a flower shop, the oldest flower shop in Paris,” Mattie Bush-Martin told the Nashville Business Journal. “We had drinks, we had friends, and we had a beautiful setting. It was this unique, romantic atmosphere, and we thought, ‘Let’s scale this up and make a business out of it.'”
That magical night became the foundation for what is now Pont Neuf Flower Bar—a space designed to capture that same charm and intimacy, but on a larger scale. The couple’s vision is to bring that special experience to others, offering a place where guests can enjoy drinks in a setting that feels both luxurious and personal.
Expansion of a Successful Floral Business
Mattie Bush-Martin is no stranger to the world of floristry. She is the founder of Amelia’s Flowers, a well-known Nashville floral business that has grown steadily since its inception in 2016. What began as a flower truck has blossomed into three brick-and-mortar locations, each offering fresh flowers to the Nashville community. Amelia’s Flowers has built a reputation for high-quality, beautifully arranged bouquets, making it a favorite among locals.
Pont Neuf Flower Bar is a natural extension of Mattie’s thriving floral business. While Amelia’s operates during the day, Pont Neuf will serve as the “after dark” counterpart, inviting guests into a different kind of floral experience—one that combines the beauty of blooms with the conviviality of a bar. “We want Pont Neuf to feel like you’ve just walked into the flower shop as it’s closing and popped open a bottle of wine to hang out,” she explained.
The Vision for Pont Neuf Flower Bar
The Pont Neuf Flower Bar will offer a unique aesthetic, distinct from Amelia’s Flowers, but with a subtle nod to its origins. The design of the bar aims to evoke a sense of warmth and elegance, with a color palette that mixes deep rust tones, cream checks, and rich wood textures.
Inside, patrons will find a walnut bar topped with a burgundy-veined faux marble countertop, giving the space a sophisticated yet approachable feel. A tapestry-covered wall adds to the atmosphere, creating a backdrop that ties in the floral theme without being overly literal.
What sets Pont Neuf apart from traditional cocktail bars is its use of shared community spaces. The majority of the seating will be at large, communal tables, which will double as floral studio worktables during the day. These tables are designed to foster interaction among guests, encouraging new connections in a city where making friends can sometimes be challenging. “You’re going to be sitting at a table with 10 other people,” said Mattie. “The hope is that you can meet new friends. It can be hard to make friends in the city, so I want people to engage and get closer.”
In addition to the community tables, Pont Neuf will offer 10 bar seats and a mix of more intimate lounge and bistro seating, giving guests a range of options depending on the type of experience they are looking for.
Community and Connection
At the heart of Pont Neuf Flower Bar is the idea of bringing people together. Nashville has grown significantly in recent years, attracting new residents from across the country. With that growth, many people are looking for spaces where they can meet others and form new friendships. The Martins hope that Pont Neuf will fill that need, offering not just a place to drink, but a place to connect.
“It can be isolating, especially when you’re new to a city,” Mattie said. “We want Pont Neuf to be a space where people feel comfortable striking up conversations with strangers. Whether you’re a local or new to Nashville, this can be a place where you meet people and have meaningful interactions.”
A Versatile Space for Day and Night
Pont Neuf Flower Bar will serve a dual purpose: by day, it will function as a floral studio for Amelia’s Flowers, and by night, it will transform into a lively cocktail bar. The shared use of the space reflects the Martins’ desire to keep the venue flexible and dynamic.
During the day, the community tables will be used for floral workshops, where guests can learn to create their own arrangements. This offers an interactive experience for flower enthusiasts and newcomers alike, allowing them to engage with the floral design process in a hands-on way. By night, those same tables will serve as gathering spots for groups of friends, couples, or even solo guests looking to meet new people over a drink.
Embracing Nashville’s Growth
Nashville’s rapid growth in recent years has sparked a wave of new businesses, each contributing to the city’s evolving culture. The opening of Pont Neuf Flower Bar comes at a time when West Nashville is seeing an influx of new residents and businesses, and the Martins hope to add something fresh and exciting to the neighborhood.
Located inside the L&L Market, Pont Neuf will benefit from the lively atmosphere of this mixed-use space, which is already home to several shops, cafes, and other small businesses. The L&L Market has become a hub for the West Nashville community, making it the perfect location for a concept like Pont Neuf that emphasizes gathering and connection.
Looking Forward
As Mattie and Taylor Martin prepare to open Pont Neuf Flower Bar, they are excited about the possibilities the space holds. The combination of flowers and cocktails may seem unusual, but for the Martins, it’s the perfect blend of two passions: floristry and hospitality.
“We want people to feel like they’re stepping into something special when they come to Pont Neuf,” said Mattie. “It’s a place to unwind, to meet people, to enjoy beautiful surroundings. It’s not just a bar; it’s an experience.”
With its unique concept, community focus, and beautiful design, Pont Neuf Flower Bar is set to become a beloved addition to Nashville’s social scene. Whether you’re stopping in for a drink or taking part in a floral workshop, Pont Neuf promises to offer a memorable experience that captures the spirit of creativity, connection, and beauty.
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