Hospitality Spotlight – Pubs and Breweries

Woolly Bay Hotel by Luchetti Krelle

Woolloomooloo, New South Wales, Australia

Revitalising the three levels of the 1800s-era building, Luchetti Krelle prioritises comfort, sophistication and connection to the surroundings. Throughout the restorations, sightlines have been opened and room added for patrons to sit and move about comfortably. Included in the new additions are a central fireplace for intimate lounging, a rooftop bar and – sitting directly above the ground floor and within the newly added enclosed rooftop – Arturo’s restaurant and bar. Additionally, the relocation of the gaming lounge to the rear of the ground level has provided more space for casual seating for weekenders or larger groups. Throughout the pub, a mix of material and textural choices in the walls, carpets and furnishings finely alters the interior decor with gestures towards the character and history of Woolloomooloo. To reference the harbour’s shoreline, the walls have been sealed with a hand-sponged, pebble grey paint, while the terracotta-hued Forbo-surfaced tables cradled in timber allude to the nearby docks and the water themes in the flowing salmon carpet speak to the surrounding bay. A distinctive escape for younger crowds and valued local patrons, Woolly Bay Hotel and Arturo’s restaurant and bar encompass the liveliness of this inner-city suburb.

The Royal Oak Hotel by Bergman & Co.

Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia

Since 1871, The Royal Oak Hotel has been a steadfast icon of Fitzroy. Now, after many years – and many uncaring renovations – The Royal Oak Hotel reopens with a revival by Bergman & Co. Inspired by the original glazed wall tiles, Bergman & Co. introduces a palette of russet, cream and honey to accentuate the tones of the pub’s authentic timber windows, stained glass and ornamental cornices. Among the elements that were kept is also the original bar, retained as a reference to the pub’s long history. With its curved form, brass detailing and bullnose timber edges, the linoleum-clad bar now sits at the entrance of the revitalised pub and captures the attention of guests as they enter. Behind the bar, a cosy dining area offers patrons a chance to escape the busy areas and take time out on the fluted banquette seats and leather -topped tables. Furthermore, new alcoves have been scattered throughout to allow for groups, singles or couples who wish for a more intimate dining experience. With warm timbers, exposed brick and light tonal choices, Bergman & Co. has reinstalled the spirit of The Royal Oak and returned a beloved local pub for patrons to unwind and reconnect for many more years to come.

Inspired by the original glazed wall tiles, Bergman & Co. introduces a palette of russet, cream and honey to accentuate the tones of the pub’s authentic timber windows, stained glass and ornamental cornices.

Bowden Brewing by Sans-Arc Studio

Bowden, South Australia, Australia

Located in the inner west of Adelaide, Bowden Brewing is a microbrewery that produces small-batch and unique beer. Built to represent a large industrial shed, the microbrewery is filled with playful, social and environmentally-friendly elements which have been delicately layered to create a welcoming atmosphere. Beginning with a temporary metal fence that forms the boundary wall, Sans-Arc Studio has added a mixture of materials to the interior design, including raw steel mesh and burnished concrete. Additionally, the architects blended these cooler interior elements with warm tonal selections of Tasmanian oak in all the joinery, beige modular tiles across the bar and textured upholstery for the seating arrangements. Adding to the liveliness, the installation of green life along the fences and walls inspires a supplementary layer of energy throughout. With a warm and welcoming ambience, Bowden Brewing welcomes visitors and beer enthusiasts into a space that inspires a city-like escape through its industrial materiality.

Modus Operandi Mereweather Brewery by Prevalent

Mereweather, New South Wales, Australia

Reimagining the outback Australian shed, Prevalent unveils a unique experience with the Modus Operandi Mereweather Brewery. Showcasing how flexible interiors and exteriors can intersect with a constantly changing landscape, Prevalent employs both fixed and moveable elements to the interior of the brewery. Immediately experienced within, the sand floor provides a base for the fixed rammed earth wall, while the polycarbonate planes provide a transparency through which nothing can be covered or hidden. Able to be opened or closed, the planes expose the interior to the surrounding landscape and introduce airflow and temperature differentiation between spaces. Additionally, the transparency of the polycarbonate provides a unique display of light and reflection while also exposing Modus Operandi to the public gaze. Reflecting the patrons within, or at times the native coastal flora – depending on the time of day and if the panels are opened or closed – these walls encourage connection, light and an openness between sites. Turning Modus Operandi Mereweather Brewery into an experience unlike any other, Prevalent has used materials and textures that blur the boundaries of the site while also evolving its relationship with the changing external landscape.

Immediately experienced within, the sand floor provides a base for the fixed rammed earth wall, while the polycarbonate planes provide a transparency through which nothing can be covered or hidden.

Mona Castle Hotel by Ha Architecture

Seddon, Victoria, Australia

After closing its doors in 2020, Mona Castle Hotel left the community of Seddon feeling as if it had lost a small piece of its soul. With a brief that desired the venue to return to its authentic self, Ha Architecture had to deal with an array of challenges left by the haphazard renovations of previous owners. Honouring the north and west-facing outlook, the team introduced connections between spaces and provided clear sightlines and circulation. Additionally, much-needed natural light permeates both the pub and dining sections, marking a clear delineation between the old and the new. Choosing to preserve essences of the original pub, the decision to retain the original bar top and layout and reposition it in the updated front room adds a thoughtful touch to the finished design. Alongside this, the timber architraves, picture rails, lining boards and coat hooks have all been maintained as a gesture to the character of Mona Castle Hotel. For the newer additions, the former bottle shop has been turned into an intimate dining area while the rear dining room is filled with wall trimmings and banquette seating for gatherings. Involving a colour palette of oak brown, heritage maroon and Brunswick green, Ha Architecture has sincerely updated Mona Castle Hotel and returned its heart and spirit.