5 of Sydney’s Freshest Architect-Designed Cafés

Mar 7, 2017

Have a hankering for hospitality? There are plenty of cafés in Sydney with inspired designs by talented creative teams, who each transform their client’s vision to deliver interior flair and sales success. We survey the landscape to deliver our own favourite designs that enhance the customer experience. Written by Annie Reid.

  1. Bills Bondi
    79 Hall St, Bondi

    Bills Bondi by Meacham Nockles McQualter, Image Credit: Anson Smart

    Famed for practically inventing ricotta hotcakes, Bill Granger now has three restaurants in Sydney as well as a solid collection of branded venues around the world. His most recent Australian venture, Bills Bondi, has been designed by Sydney-based interior designers, Meacham Nockles McQualter, which has injected the near-beachside space with the chef’s signature style of light, space and relaxation, in line with his focus on fresh, local ingredients and all-day grazing. His Australian approach to dining has been well received the world over, with a popular communal table and unpretentious, welcoming interiors.

    External view of Bills Bondi by Meacham Nockles McQualter, Image Credit: Anson Smart

  2. The Rabbit Hole Organic Tea Bar
    Shop 1, 23 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo South

    The Rabbit Hole Organic Tea Bar by Matt Woods, Image Credit: Brian Tam

    Amongst the flurry of hospitality to hit Barangaroo is this new second edition to The Rabbit Hole’s flagship tea bar in Redfern. With an unpretentious design by Matt Woods, also behind the award-winning Redfern site, The Rabbit Hole Organic Tea Bar revolves around the extensive – and experimental – tea menu in line with research suggesting a preference for premium tea options and specialty blends. Co-founder Amara Jarratt said: “It’s hard to resist an invitation to join a selected handful of Sydney’s finest retailers and contribute to the atmosphere of a thriving new CBD location.”

    Inside The Rabbit Hole Organic Tea Bar by Matt Woods, Image Credit: Brian Tam

  3. The Bakery @ The Grounds of Alexandria
    Building 7a, 2 Huntley St, Alexandria

    Old world charm at The Bakery @ The Grounds of Alexandria, Alexandria by ACME&Co

    Fans of this acre-big super site comprising an urban feast for the senses will love the recent launch and expansion of The Bakery; a 600sq m space as part of the existing café. Previously a back of house area for the bakers and patisserie chefs, it’s now received a large renovation by interior designer, Caroline Choker and architect, Vince Alafaci, from ACME&Co, and includes 40 extra seats plus a prep area for master classes – featuring a large signature, green enameled refrigerator.

    The Bakery @ The Grounds of Alexandria, Alexandria by ACME&Co

  4. Reuben Hills
    61 Albion St, Surry Hills

    Reuben Hills by Alana Cooke

    With its strong industrial heritage, Reuben Hills is well known for its coffee as a micro roaster based in Surry Hills. The space opened in 2012 where it has attracted a clientele of loyal coffee purveyors, who enjoy the café downstairs and upstairs mezzanine designed by Alana Cooke. The design is oriented around the production of coffee within an urban condition, with exposed concrete brickwork and raw elements adding to the factory appeal. Alana Cooke has also recently completed owner Russell Beard’s new outpost, Bondi Hall.

    The view from above at Reuben Hills by Alana Cooke

  5. Barista & Cook
    834 Bourke St, Waterloo

    Barista & Cook by Giant Design, Image Credit: Andrew Worssam Photography

    Opening last year in Waterloo, Barista & Cook translates as coffee and food with a light-filled and airy design by Giant Design. Offering a large-scale café interior, it has pot plants suspended from the ceiling and ample greenery to complement the Scandi-style interior. Although somewhat risky featuring ‘barista’ in its title, this café hums along very nicely so it’s fair to say the venture has been a success in this burgeoning area.

    Table flora at Barista & Cook by Giant Design, Image Credit: Andrew Worssam Photography

Looking for more on trends in architecture and design for your establishment? Check out our sister event, DesignBUILD, coming to Sydney from 3 – 5 May.

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