The Galley Room is located in the Waterside Hotel, which has a strong heritage with the docks and when the Yarra was used to transport goods into the city. The galley is traditionally found deep in the heart of the ship, where you’ll find the kitchen and quite often where the crew would meet to drink, snack to catch up for a chat.

The venue is owned by The Waterside Group led by GM Stuart Wigney who also own The Hotel Brighton, which is about to be renovated and relaunched.

The aim was to create a comfortable, world-class, premiere cocktail bar and lounge.

Because the space is sandwiched in the middle level of a 150 year old pub, the structural work was significant. This included aspects like acoustics and retaining as much of the space as possible. Balancing this within the budget combined with all of the style elements of the fit out was at times challenging.

The design was by Iva Foschia from IF Architecture, with assistance from Projects of Imagination, whilst the management and construction was overseen by Trent Alexander from leading hospitality construction company Liquid Lines.

Iva’s biggest challenge was the existing conditions, given that the building is over 100 years old.

”There were a few issues that came up during the construction process that required the design to change to accommodate,” she said. “However there is no real major design impact that is obvious to the patron.”

The existing level 1 interior originally accommodated dormitory style / hotel rooms. Prior to any design work commencing there was considerable demolition works undertaken which saw the removal of all the double solid brick walls that divided the space.

Therefore the initial design concept and thoughts for the project originated from the only remaining element linked to the history of the space – the diamond. The diamond has infiltrated the space through the embodiment of the architectural details and the references that the diamond is associated with – stone detailing and faceting, quality detail.

The use of the stained American oak timber flooring and timber lining boards laid diagonally on the walls and ceiling and the custom carpet allows the space to be segmented between bar and lounge areas.

The heritage fireplace and specialized light fittings used thoughtfully throughout highlights the details, materials and craftsmanship.

High quality materials, fixtures and fittings were used throughout the project which are evident through the marble bar and stained American oak flooring and joinery, leather banquette seating, plush Tsar carpeting and B&B Italia sofas along with the lighting from Euroluce. However there was budget constraints and therefore part of the design intent was to use readily available materials in a unique and interesting way – to re-interpret.

Iva’s aim was to create a contemporary, luxe space with a link to the history and context of the existing heritage building. A relaxed, yet private ‘club’ atmosphere which is welcoming but maintains an air of exclusivity was the required outcome.

Lighting was intended to be discreet and give the impression of a night sky.