St Leonard’s Tavern, a city fringe bar in need of refurbishment, was transformed by response-group australia as part of a specific need by their repeat client, Sonenco. Attracting mainly trades people, the client expressed a need to attract a newer demographic without alienating their original client base. They also wanted to create a warm and inviting evening atmosphere that promoted a complete dining experience and a new focus on food. The change would need to be dramatic, as described by the client - “A total transformation is what is required.”
The result was a complete shift from what was once considered a dark and gloomy atmosphere to a fresh, inviting and more recognisable tavern. This was created not only from an interior focus, but through careful planning and consideration of the external façade. By redefining the facade through large scale windows and a street front outdoor area, response-group gave the tavern a new lease on life.
Senior designer Dilhan Surin created a warm, clean and relaxing space that successfully fuses a contemporary interior with the hospitality of an easy going environment. “It was critical that the tavern’s demographic was not changed but rather broadened. The client did not want to distance the existing clientele, which is a part of the history of the tavern and a loyal customer base.”
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