The James
In Sydney’s dining scene, where minimalism has at times become the favoured design language, The James stands apart.
Named after Sir James Langham, The James offers a more expressive vision of hospitality. The space, designed by SRG Hospitality director Perry Drakopoulos, carries a subtle theatricality, unfolding over the course of an evening as lighting and atmosphere shift ever so slightly from one room to the next.
The restaurant is recognisably British in character, with a strong sense of refinement and elegance. References to Victorian dining traditions appear throughout, though never in a heavy-handed way. Rather than replicating that era’s motifs, Drakopoulos reworks them into something more considered. Timber panelling, refined detailing and a warm tonal palette form the foundation. Gloss finishes sit nicely against matte surfaces, while heavier joinery is balanced by softer, more tactile fabrics.
Much of the project’s character comes through small gestures. At the entry, 96 key cubbies reference the number of rooms within the hotel, a playful detail that sets the tone. A custom crest motif follows a similar logic, appearing across the interior in understated ways that tie the rooms together. These elements create a consistent visual language. It’s certainly a space that rewards close attention to detail.
There is a cinematic quality to The James. Moving through the venue, each room has its own mood and atmosphere while still contributing to a larger whole. This sense of progression is reinforced by the layout, which encourages a more social style of dining. Room to room, seating shifts from intimate corners to larger, more open arrangements, allowing the hospitality team to adapt the space to different groups and occasions. Lighter wicker chairs and banquettes soften the interior, giving it a warmth that feels inviting.
Materials also play a central role in shaping the overall ambience. Burgundy and tobacco tones run throughout, adding to the feeling of warmth, while layered finishes give the interior a sense of completeness. Lighting, texture and layout all work together to shape the guest experience, allowing The James to gradually reveal itself as the evening progresses. Together, these details lend the venue a sense of jazz-inflected charm within Sydney’s buzzing dining scene.
