Fitzroy Gem – Poodle Bar & Bistro by Bergman & Co.

Blending European design with a touch of Australian-Italian suburban kitsch, Poodle Bar & Bistro places the patron at the centre of their experience, offering spaces to “hide out or hang out” depending on one’s mood.

When Bergman & Co. was asked to imagine a scheme for this double-fronted terrace on Fitzroy’s iconic Gertrude Street, the European menu and suburban context became the driving inspiration. “We eschewed stylistic trends in favour of an authentic, site-specific response,” comments founder and director Wendy Bergman.“ We wanted to create a place to be frequented regularly, with diverse atmospheres to suit any occassion.”

Upon entry, this thoughtful approach is instantly felt. A walk-up bar with high seating greets visitors on arrival, while vistas to a sumptuous dining lounge are framed through arched portals of stained timber. “The arrangement honours the linear terrace typology, with each opening acting as a conduit between interior scenes,” explains Wendy. Deep contrasts in light and shade establish a contemporary chiaroscuro effect, giving luminosity to each interior space.

A 1930s-inspired bar stretches the length of the terrace, its dark timber accents and a delightful triple-stacked bar top offigured green and pink marble invoking a sense of art deco nostalgia. Dark timber wall panelling and curved banquettes create a sense of mood and intimacy in the opposite 40-seat dining room, arranging eager diners in intimate clusters. Luxurious velvet and leather upholstery is offset by cheerful chequered flooring, slatted timber ceilings and a gallery wall of contemporary art illustrations; a spirited nod to the youthful Fitzroy locale. Beyond, a kitsch terracotta-tiled courtyard brimming with grapevines presents a bright and beckoning outdoor setting that excels in any season.

Deep contrasts in light and shade establish a contemporary chiaroscuro effect, giving luminosity to each interior space.

Ascending to the upper level, a mirrored cocktail bar forms a sculptural centre piece surrounded by banquette seating, a roaring fire and an intimate private dining room for twelve. Retro-inspired timber joinery is enlivened with angled timber grains and bronze mosaic tiling, while the layering of contemporary art, wildflowers and vintage pieces creates an eclectic and spirited feel. The bathrooms are defined as an experience in their own right, with sculpted red basins, green marble and brass fixtures creating an unexpected graphic moment and memorable talking point.

Bergman & Co. worked with Wendy’s long-standing collaborator (and life partner) Paul Grummisch of Please Please Please to create a number of bespoke furniture and lighting pieces. “Designing unique pieces is a consistent undertaking in our work,” reveals Wendy, “it differentiates the venue identity from anything seen before.” Custom pieces include a fluted glass screen divider, low “toad” stools, ball and slumped-glass wall lights, grappa bottle shelving and an art-deco inspired courtyard balustrade, now gracing some of Poodle’s branded merchandise and graphics. “These pieces helped to create authenticity, that playful ‘Poodle’ sensibility and warm diner feel,” muses Wendy.

“Designing unique pieces is a consistent undertaking in our work,” reveals Wendy, “it differentiates the venue identity from anything seen before.”

“The key to the success of this project was having the clients’ trust,” says Wendy. Indeed, the final execution of the interior is faithful to Bergman & Co.’s original vision: quirky, materially-rich and expressing a playful creative energy. Poodle’s series of spaces, each with their own character, invite moments of silence and sensation – already forging a path as Fitzroy’s bustling local favourite.