The design concept for Loft was to complement and contrast the easy-going vibe of Brisbane’s West End with an interpretationof a sophisticated New York-style village bar. With the vision to transform the existing dark, aged nightclub into a fresh, relaxed boutique cocktail and wine lounge, Brand + Slater Architects utilised an unaltered floor plate to realise the new space. Situated on the first floor above popular Archive Beer Boutique, Loft consists of a main bar/lounge area, balcony and purposely conceived function space,creating a venue that fills a gap in the West End bar scene.

Entering the lounge bar is like being welcomed into an oversized living room. Large comfortable sofas, timber and iron stools and tables along with aged leather arm chairs loosely fill the space, complemented by floor rugs, scattered cushions and ottomans. The exposed brick walls are adorned with framed artwork and antique table lamps provide soft lighting throughout.

A timber trestle table acts as a casual DJ station, behind which is a timber bookcase, complete with sliding ladder and filled with salvaged odds and ends and secondhand books. The bar itself features a timber top faced with beautiful hand-painted emerald tiles. The combination and considered placement of all these elements work to evoke a sense of domesticity but also a hint of industrial sophistication.

Adjacent to the lounge is the versatile function room. Designed for private parties and sit down dining, the approach for this 140 person space was slightly more refined. Key elements from the bar design and general finishes bleed into the room with the addition of detailed French wallpaper, Victorian-style pendant lights and French bistro dining settings to achieve a more formal feel. Outdoor wall lights splash warm light over the featured brick wall and together with trailing bushes entwined with bud lightsabove the bar, an enchanting courtyard ambience is created.

The refurbished balcony spills out from the main lounge through timberframed bi-folding doors. As an extension of the interior of Loft, the balcony in synergy with the lounge creates that classic Queensland sense of an indoor/outdoor space, embracing our low-key summer vibe. Hanging plants, bud lights and laid back furniture complete the intended garden-like atmosphere. An upholstered bench seat wraps the perimeter of the balcony. Backed by a low return and glass balustrade it not only allows patrons to overlook busy Boundary Street below but engages with passers-by, attracting them into the venue.

Loft is a venue that sets itself apart from its local competitors. Grunge come classic-chic, Loft’s carefully selected eclectic furnishings and finishes paired with well-conceived ambient lighting incite a warmth and comfortable familiarity.