Absolutely Fabulous – Jane by Luchetti Krelle

An ode to the late grandmother of the owner – single-hat chef Tristan Rosier – Jane occupies a former butcher’s shop on an unassuming corner of Bourke Street. But, stepping through the doors, it’s apparent this space is anything but ordinary.

Passing by, you’d be forgiven for overlooking the modest façade of cream tiles and ageing, black-painted timber, sparingly decorated by brass framework. Only the gold-leaf calligraphy ‘Jane’ gives away that something exciting is happening here. Straddling the balance between refined and extravagant is very much the theme of Luchetti Krelle’s design, channelling inspiration from Rosier’s grandparents’ home to create a beguiling hybrid of neighbourhood charm and 70s European glamour.

Luchetti Krelle’s design channels inspiration from Rosier’s grandparents’ home to create a beguiling hybrid of neighbourhood charm and 70s European glamour.

A peek through the newly installed clear glass windows reveals a welcoming warm glow, the light from the smoked-glass chandelier bouncing off the patinated mirror, brass accents and stained walnut timber. With the mirror giving the tiny diner the illusion of generous dimensions, a combination of booth, banquette and bar seating embodies the cosy, casual vibe of the place. The Carrara marble bar and tables – the largest of which include a matching lazy Susan – and upholstery in sultry burgundy leather and retro corduroy encourage patrons to make themselves comfortable.

Rosier was writing the menu while the space was still being designed. His other restaurant, Arthur – likewise named after a grandparent – is located just a few blocks up the road and serves a five-course degustation menu. Jane offers lighter fare, and when it became apparent many of the dishes featured Australian ingredients, it was decided that the palette of the overall design would incorporate elements that spoke to a similar spirit.

Familiar tones and textures of the Australian bush add life and depth to the space.

Familiar tones and textures of the Australian bush add life and depth to the space, such as the thick corduroy backrests evoking a vibrant banksia yellow and the Rosso Levanto marble echoing the deep ferrous hue of the Australian soil, with matching veins of sun-bleached quartz. Similarly, the ceiling – coated with a natural fibre spray, balancing acoustics – is a rich waratah red. This pairs with the hand-trowelled walls, running in to the thick grooves of the corduroy backrests to create an overall texturally luxurious motif, as satisfying to the eyes as to the touch.

Jane has all the makings of a beloved neighbourhood haunt. But, far from being one of many, Luchetti Krelle has created an idiosyncratic yet luxurious design. Alluding to everything from chic Paris bistros to the warm, enveloping atmosphere of a particularly fabulous grandmother’s lounge room circa 1970, it’s very much its own destination.