QT Port Douglas
87 Port Douglas Rd, Port Douglas QLD 4877
(07) 4099 8900 or www.qtportdouglas.com.au
The new QT Port Douglas is the second resort to open for QT Hotels and Resorts, following the launch of QT Gold Coast last year. The sophisticated new resort is like Mad Men meets the Hamptons, featuring light timber floor coverings and a restrained colour palate of muted pastels.
There is no need for guests to leave the resort with a large lagoon-style pool and chic lawn party atmosphere, featuring pretty sun loungers and swim-up bars. Estilo offers guests cocktails that can be enjoyed on the lawn or by the pool while listening to music. Those looking for a quieter evening can take a spot at the 300-seat outdoor resort cinema in partnership with Moonlight Cinemas.
IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK
posted in: Bar, Hotel, Restaurant on May 18, 2012
Harbour Rocks Hotel
34 Harrington St, The Rocks NSW 2000
1800 251 210 or www.harbourrocks.com.au
Australia has its own historic palace in the recently rejuvenated Harbour Rocks Hotel. Comprising of a colonial three-level building as well as six adjoining terrace buildings built in 1887, the 59-room boutique hotel sits on the site of what was originally Sydney’s first hospital. Having undergone various incarnations since that time, the site was transformed into the Harbour Rocks Hotel in 1989.
The Harbour Rocks Hotel has been stripped back, exposing its original sandstone and brick walls, its labyrinths, its working cottages and its open courtyard in a major redesign of the hotel interiors undertaken in 2011. The result is a boutique venue in which the history of the site and the precinct in which it sits can be seen with every turn.
NEW LUXURY FOR HOBART
posted in: Function Space, Hotel on May 13, 2012
Grand Mercure Hobart Central Apartments
34 Murray St, Hobart TAS 7000
(03) 6223 4355 or www.accorhotels.com
The 1834 National Trust-listed Hadleys Hotel has brought together two centuries of hospitality with the opening of Tasmania’s biggest multipurpose hotel development with a multimillion dollar extension. Hadleys Hotel has played an integral part in Tasmanian and Australian history, playing host to guests such as Errol Flynn and Antarctic explorer Roald Amundsen.
The hotel extension has added a further 125 luxury apartments, extensive food and beverage outlets and conferencing facilities to Hobart. It is one of the largest private developments undertaken in Tasmania. The new hotel extension has taken on Accor’s upscale Grand Mercure brand, Australia’s fastest growing apartment-hotel brand. The original Hadleys Hotel will be re-badged under the Mercure brand.
WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
posted in: Bar on May 12, 2012
Timbah
375 Glebe Pt Rd, Glebe NSW 2037
(02) 9751 7005
The inner-west suburb of Glebe has welcomed a new small bar to its growing collection. Timbah resides in the hollowed-out basement of a narrow 1920s apartment block. The conversion of a dilapidated studio and 3 garages which morphed into Timbah was planned by owner Tim Smith, working with Surry Hills architectural firm environa studio as an extension to his Glebe Liquor bottle shop above.
Environa studio put together a rational plan (with a tight timeframe and budget) to make best use of the long, five metre wide space to accommodate the bar, amenities, seating for 50 patrons and a commercial kitchen. The design is a mix of raw and urban industrial elements which delivers a ‘mid-tech’ chic that allows the honesty of materials and structure to shine through. There is an occasional nod to the nearby Rozelle Bay, with reference to maritime and shipbuilding activities displayed with panache and simplicity.
A warm palette of raw timber, form work ply and exposed brick are enhanced with site-built elements, stretched sisal dividing screens and simple plywood stools upholstered in brandy-coloured vinyl. Fixed wall panels made of untreated hardwood fence palings conceal accent lighting. The dark floor of form ply, black painted ceiling and acoustic panels add to the intimacy.
NOT-SO-HARDWARE
posted in: Bar, Restaurant on May 9, 2012
Bondi Hardware
39 Hall St, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
(02) 9365 7176 or http://bondi-hardware.com.au/
Visitors to Bondi’s Hall Street in the past 30 years may recall an unlikely icon in the form of a cluttered hardware store. What was once a place for local tradesmen and D.I.Y enthusiasts has now undergone a complete transformation, re-opening its doors as a bar and restaurant, aptly named Bondi Hardware.
Bondi Hardware is the creation of experienced hospitality professionals, Hamish Watts and Ben Carroll. Adding to Watt’s and Carroll’s vast industry experience is their flair for design.The completed project presents an interior incorporating high gabled ceilings, ornate features including exposed bricks, recycled timbers, and specialty fabrics creating warmth and character with plenty of natural light to match.
Head chef Justin Walshe has constructed the menu with a “global share-style food” ethos in mind; modern Bondi diners are seeking a more casual dining experience.
Senoritas
16 Meyers Place, Melbourne 3000
(03) 9639 7437 or www.senoritas.com.au
Señoritas owner Ricardo Amare wanted to immerse diners in a complete “experiencia Mexicana” and from the looks of this lovingly-designed cantina, a little piece of Mexico has indeed arrived in Melbourne. Senoritas distinctive interior design was created by Melbourne Interior Design consultancy Lombard and Jack.
Inside Señoritas is an eclectic combination of feminine whimsy and dark, mysterious spirit, paying homage to the importance of women in Mexican culture through the renowned image of La Catrina, and the Mexican tradition of Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead).
NO HAT NO PLAY
posted in: Bar, Restaurant on May 8, 2012
The Classroom
1/356 Charles St, North Perth WA 6006
(08) 9444 7729 or www.theclassroom.com.au
New Perth small bar The Classroom takes visitors right back to their days in primary school. Surround Sounds were approached by the owners Daniel Sterpini and Adam Keane (from popular catering business Cocktail Gastronomy) to introduce technology that would integrate into the venue perfectly and not detract from the retro classroom feel.
Surrounds Designer Mark Jeisman’s goal was to ensure that there was a equal distribution of sound and volume in the public spaces of the venue, so 8x flush mount Turbosound Impact 50T were custom painted and installed in the ceilings.
The restroom areas feature Flatline Acoustics flush ceiling speakers and pipe out anything from French Lessons, to Science lectures, for an audio education. Patrons at their tables can listen in, too, with 80s era headphones.
USE YOUR NOODLE
posted in: Restaurant on May 8, 2012
Ramen Ya
Shop 9, The Paramount, 108 Bourke St Melbourne 3000
(03) 9654 5838 or http://www.ramenya.com.au/
Ramen Ya is a casual modern take on a Japanese ramen bar. Architect Matt Gibson’s brief was to turn a bookshop into a dining space with maximum cost effectiveness – like a nutritious ramen soup that brings great value for money. Ramen Ya’s first incarnation is in Melbourne’s GPO and the owners wanted their next restaurant to be located on a busy city street.
Keeping with the Southern-Japanese influences that inspire Ramen Ya’s noodles, the conceptual idea references traditional Japanese push-cart stalls (‘Yatai’) which are synonymous with pork-bone ramen. Key aspects of this theme include bright paper lanterns that light up the night, use of low-cost natural materials (generally timber) and an intimate and informal dining experience.
LIFE’S A BEACH
posted in: Alfresco, Bar, Café, Function Space, Restaurant on May 8, 2012
Merewether Surfhouse
Henderson Parade, Merewether NSW 2291
(02) 4918 0000 or http://surfhouse.com.au/
CO-AP have designed all three levels of the Merewether Surfhouse in Newcastle, incorporating a restaurant and bar, function rooms and a beachfront kiosk and cafe. Upon entering the Surfhouse the magnificent vista is obscured by the two wet-bars. “This allows for the spectacular views to be revealed as the visitor moves from the maitre’d station into the restaurant dining room or the bar and outdoor terrace,” says CO-AP architect William Fung.
HOTEL HOSPITALITY & DESIGN 2012 ALONGSIDE DESIGNEX IN SYDNEY
posted in: Industry on May 2, 2012
If you’ve not heard, Hotel, Hospitality & Design is being co-located with designEX this year. Which makes it a very compelling show for venue people.
Catering to 3-5 star hotels, motels, resorts, spas, luxury hotels, serviced apartments, the hotel pub sectors, and even aged care facilities, HHD represents all facets of hospitality design and refurbishment under one roof.
Alongside exhibits from world-leading brands, the popular Presentation Series returns this year to HHD, with The Refurbishment Stage, proudly supported by Dulux, giving visitors the opportunity to observe first-hand the interior design and refurbishment process.
A highlight for hotel operators and project managers looking to embark on their own project, The Refurbishment Stage sees an acclaimed designer demonstrating the refurbishment of a bathroom, as well as conducting a 3-4 star hotel room makeover.
HHD takes place at the Sydney Exhibition Centre from 14-16 May. To register for free entry to HHD 2012 (and save the $25 onsite entry fee), simply quote ‘HHD’ when registering at www.hhdexpo.com.au
venue magazine will be exhibiting at this year’s show, so say hello!
