Generic architecture just doesn’t cut it these days. From quirky cafés to stunning restaurants, Australia’s hospitality industry is filled with trendy fitouts. Venue owners seemed to have realised the power of creativity, leading to a boom in original designs.
If you appreciate unique décor as much you love dining out, we’ve tracked down the most inspired eateries in the country for you. Far beyond their aesthetic beauty, these establishments caught our eye with their innovation and function as well.
Watermall Café, Brisbane
Watermall Café – Photo by Scott Burrows for Quadric Interiors
The Watermall Café can be found in Brisbane’s inner city, at the Queensland Art Gallery. Designed by interior fitout specialists Quadric, this fitout typifies contemporary creativity. Geometric lights play an important role, giving the café a futuristic feel. Like all Quadric interiors, the Watermall Café is detail-oriented. The walls are hung with timber carvings of Queensland, adding a quirky touch. Large booths (some of which double as bookcases) line one side of the space. A row of tables and chairs provide additional seating, while the glass doors and windows let in plenty of natural light.
If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat in central Brisbane, the Watermall Café is a pleasant place to hang out after exploring the art gallery.
Blackwood Pantry, Sydney
Blackwood Pantry – Photo courtesy of blackwoodpantry.com.au
Sydney is home to countless stylish restaurants. However, Blackwood Pantry stands alone in terms of creativity. Located in Cronulla, it’s known as a venue for good times. Sydney-based architecture firm Luchetti Krelle, whose primary focus is hospitality, designed Blackwood Pantry’s fitout.
With its retro furniture and bright colour scheme, Blackwood Pantry’s vibe is relaxed yet sophisticated. The centre of the restaurant features a long rectangular table surrounded by bar stools. There are also plenty of smaller tables and chairs. Plants hang from the ceiling along with funky looking lights, casting a warm glow over the venue. The countertops are made of dark stone and timber, adding to the restaurant’s cosiness.
The Penny Drop, Melbourne
The Penny Drop – Photo courtesy of thepennydrop.com.au
Interior Design studio We Are Huntly are behind The Penny Drop, a 100-seater, ultra-trendy restaurant. Having started out as a pop-up coffee shop, this now spacious venue is located in Box Hill, just east of Melbourne’s city centre. The Penny Drop’s fitout features high ceilings and classic lines, alongside slick furnishings and art deco fittings.
By contrasting wooden panelling with white tiles, We Are Huntly have created a refreshingly unique fitout. Whether you’re a Melbournite or just visiting, anyone who loves complimenting coffee with cool styling should pay this venue a visit. Check out hospitality furniture in Melbourne by Adage Furniture here.
Whistle and Flute, Adelaide
Whistle and Flute – Photo courtesy of whistleandflute.com.au
Whistle and Flute is one of Adelaide’s snazziest eateries. Part café, part liqueur bar, it was created by Sans Arc Studio. Pleasantly leafy, this venue features a mixture of foliage, timber and stone benchtops. With overhanging lights of various sizes and long wooden tables, the interior seamlessly blends industrial textures with greenery.
Whistle and Flute’s fitout is creative right down to the smallest details. From the café’s rustic brick exterior to the rose gold details at the bar, Sans Arc Studio have done an exceptional job of creating an on-trend space that doesn’t look generic.
With such an array of creative venues to choose from, grabbing a bite to eat has never looked so good. Have you visited an original café or restaurant lately? Don’t keep it to yourself!
