The bistro at the Albert Park Hotel has taken a bold new direction with a complete overhaul by award winning architects, Six Degrees, and a menu redesign focused on fresh, simple seafood dishes by acclaimed Chef, Paul Wilson.
Changes involved creating a more communal and larger dining space which incorporates a tantalising open servery, a custom built display of ever-changing whole fish varieties, an oyster bar and grill, and all the fruits de mer and ceviche you can sink your teeth into.
With a mix of communal and intimate private tables for group and romantic dinners alike, the new layout takes a decidedly stylish look and feel. Referencing 1970’s Australian fish‘n’chip shops, the set tables have disposable menus as table mats, a blackboard with daily market prices, a large decorative fish tank and jars of pickled onions.
This contrasts with the solid red lipstick coloured pillars, white Carrera marble, sleek black tiles and polished concrete which adorn the walls, floors and tables of the new look Albert Park. The dining area is divided from the front bar by timber poles to offer diners an undisturbed experience. The action moves outside to the courtyard with smaller dining tables and loose furniture on the extended deck, covered by a steel and glass roof. The kitchen is also open, and serves onto the outside terraced area
The front bar and outdoor tables continue the lively street side atmosphere for drinkers and diners alike. Bringing the food to the front of the pub, patrons are able to embrace the same menu offered in the intimacy of the rear dining area.
Albert Park Hotel Owner, Julian Gerner of the Melbourne Pub Group says, “The new look Albert Park will embrace the noise and boisterousness of the pub and its patrons. This is what people want; to eat and mingle in an environment that is more casual, being conducive to conversation and meeting people over great food and drinks. The dining area will have its own vibe and for those who want to eat at the bar or enjoy the on street dining, the same menu will be available. The design focus is much more bold and sexy…think Sin City, lots of black tiles, white marble and splashes of red. The food will be simple, fresh and healthy, which is perfect for the Albert Park location and its residents.”
Known for their sympathetic renovations and clever use of space, Six Degrees has married the Art Deco skeleton of the building with a much edgier interior, making the Albert Park Hotel a sophisticated drinking and dining destination for locals and visitors alike.
“The space has changed from being a Bistro Style of dining to an Oyster Bar with clam pots etc hanging from the ceilings,” explained Richard Hallam, managing director of YSI. “To compliment this we hung loudspeakers in a similar way, hanging down from the ceiling on small chains.
“Everything was spray painted in the same colour as the upper parts of the room’s walls and ceilings.”
Due to the fact that there was no-longer loudspeakers recessed into the ceiling in a baffle, compensation was made in the control system to give the loudspeakers some more warmth, the end result was achieved very cost effectively.