Garden Brasserie evolved from the owners desire to create a space that breaks the mould of the wine bars that are popping in the inner city. The concept was developed closely with the owners and the end result is one that provides a light, bright open space for daytime get togethers, and an intimate, playful space for evenings.

Based on a european sunroom theme by day and an intimate garden party by night, the space had to accommodate the habits of patrons coming during the day or night, summer or winter, weekends or weekdays. A clever balance of furnishings, the creation of different atmospheres in different spaces and the split levels all contributed to the success of the fitout.

The glimpse of the vertical garden wall from the street entices customers to want to enter for a closer view.

On entering the bar, the vertical garden heavy laden with plants is the first thing you see – this was quite a feat of design, but one that was worth the time and effort as it provides a talking point as well as a fantastic earthy smell, the same you get from a garden outdoors. The size is impressive but not imposing to the downs stairs “patio area” and bar.

With the double storey glazing the area is bathed in natural day light. The mixture of high and low seating downstairs accommodate large groups for lunch and dinner, or guests who just want to catch up for a drink.

The cast iron stair leads you to the called the Cigar Bar. This cosy cocktail lounge features a full height padded banquette seat and ceiling, it really is an area to fall into and stay a while. The low ceiling and recycled timber flooring emphasise the intimate atmosphere of this space and provide a very different feel to the open bar space on the ground floor. The spaces are linked by the garden wall, which can be viewed from either upstairs at a distance, or downstairs up close.