Bar Besuto by Tom Mark Henry

Moving beyond the familiar bar experience, Bar Besuto by Tom Mark Henry unveils a deeper sense of immersion, offering a raw, intimate and nuanced occasion for guests.

Nestled in the heart of Sydney’s newest food, beverage and lifestyle precinct, Sydney Place, Bar Besuto is a hidden underground whiskey bar that represents an exciting new epoch for the city’s bar scene. From the street, a soft and ambient glow from a pendant light coupled with glimpses of a bespoke tapestry piece by local artist Chris Yee immediately entices passers-by.

From the street, a soft and ambient glow from a pendant light couples with glimpses of a bespoke tapestry piece by local artist Chris Yee, immediately entices passers-by.

Once inside, the interior takes stylistic cues from elements of Japanese Noh Theatre, resulting in a deeply nuanced experience. In particular, lighting is harnessed in unique and provocative ways. Inspired by the traditional stage lighting of classic Japanese Noh theatre, light is used as a medium to direct guests into the incidental and unexpected seating junctures that appear throughout the bar.

The considered design of the venue allows for a range of different experiences. The pairing of blockwork walls with cool-toned brick facings and stainless-steel detailing imbues a refined yet industrial feel that blurs the lines between luxury and grunge. Meanwhile, intimate moments are created in the way light plays on the surfaces and the more robust material elements are softened by patchwork leather banquette seating.

Once inside, the interior takes stylistic cues from elements of Japanese Noh Theatre, resulting in a deeply nuanced experience.

The thoughtful curation of raw and robust materiality draws on the nature of an underground venue and creates a dark, moody feel typical of traditional whiskey bars. However, Bar Besuto remains welcoming. Handcrafted ceramics and floral arrangements add a sense of warmth, while dark tones and textures contrast against the warm glow of the amber whiskey bottles, the core of the venue’s offering.

A thoughtful merging of cultures and moments in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, Bar Besuto’s interior is leading the way in cross-cultural design. Tom Mark Henry transcends the humble whiskey bar into a mindful, immersive and evocative experience.

Interior design by Tom Mark Henry. Build by DBMG. Styling by Tristan Qasabian. Artwork by Chris Yee and Karen Davis.