Timeless and Layered – Reine and La Rue by Akin Atelier

An elegant reimagining of a historic building, Reine and La Rue sees Akin Atelier and RBA Heritage Architects transform the original Melbourne Stock Exchange building into a sophisticated French restaurant and bar. Conceived in conjunction with Al and Rebecca Yazbek of NOMAD Group, Reine and La Rue reawakens a bygone space through considered interior design choices that merge the classical heritage of the building with the present, resulting in a truly timeless and layered space.

Located within the Melbourne Stock Exchange at the corner of Queen and Collins streets in the Melbourne CBD, the landmark neo-gothic 1890s building has been elegantly restored. Considered choices have been made to preserve and reference the original heritage space, with decorative features, gothic detailing, solid limestone walls, vaulted ceilings, marble dado, encaustic floor tiling and prismatic glass floor tiles and solid grey granite columns remaining in all their glory.

Located within the Melbourne Stock Exchange at the corner of Queen and Collins streets in the Melbourne CBD, the landmark neo-gothic 1890s building has been elegantly restored.

Upon entering off Collins Street, one is met with an internal corridor that leads to the expansive restaurant Reine. The main dining space, known as ‘The Cathedral Room’, features intimate dining booths, 10-metre-long marble cocktail and seafood bars and a heated external courtyard. This vast space is both refined and open, combining classical elements such as original stained-glass windows, brass finishes, terrazzo floors, velvet upholstery and large caramel leather banquets that sit between the granite columns with contemporary additions such as modern pendant lighting, end-grain timber flooring, organic detailing and marble tables.

Alongside the courtyard space sits La Rue, a modern, small speakeasy-style bar that beautifully juxtaposes the classic grandeur of Reine. Intimate and moody, black stained timber joinery and black terrazzo floor dominate throughout, while artworks and a premium wine vault imbue a sense of modern sophistication and a stark French-noir feel. Furnishings in both spaces elevate the textural detailing, with furniture and lighting from Jardan, grazia&co, Volker Haug and Henry Wilson Studio all featuring throughout.

Alongside the courtyard space sits La Rue, a modern, small speakeasy-style bar that beautifully juxtaposes the classic grandeur of Reine.

The interior provides the ideal backdrop for the elevated food and drink offerings. NOMAD Group’s executive chef, Jacqui Challinor, worked alongside Reine and La Rue’s head chef, Brendan Katich, to create a menu inspired by French classics, working closely with Victorian producers as a key focus, while the wine list lean towards French and American wine and cocktails.

Harnessing the power of contrast, Reine and La Rue bring modern French dining to life by integrating historic detailing and opulence with modern materiality that adds warmth, texture and subtle tonal variation. The result is a dining experience with a timeless appeal, transporting one to the past while remaining grounded in the present.