Charlie & Rose was appointed by Swire Hotels to create a 250-seat multi level bar and restaurant. Our challenge was to create a unique dining experience in a newly constructed contemporary building. Following initial discussions with Swire Hotels' Executive team, it was decided that subtle creative cues would be taken from children’s storybooks. The resulting design includes a craft beer house at street level, Oyster bar and Steakhouse on the 1st floor and a Private Dining room with its own terrace in the attic. It has an eclectic aesthetic that is highly detailed in every bespoke chair, table, hinge and hook and has nostalgia firmly planted in old Britain.  A strong focus for the design is creating a quirky and irreverent environment through a series of spaces, each with its own character and function. Furnishings and objects have been internationally sourced and the salvage of one off pieces will give Mr & Mrs Fox that extra layer of uniqueness.

The main challenge with a multi-level site such as this is creating a concept that makes customers want to explore the space and not feel like they are getting a raw deal if they sit anywhere other than at street level.  We have addressed this by creating three distinct but interconnected spaces via a central timber staircase and unique offerings on each level.

We have used a palette of materials that we hope will offer a sense of nostalgia for those who visit - Oak for cabinets and joinery, reclaimed timber for flooring, distressed saddle leather and tartan upholstery, brass detailing and bespoke furniture and feature lighting.

In addition to sourcing the salvaged timber flooring and reclaimed butcher’s tiles we spent weeks trawling through vintage farm stores in Northern New South Wales for decorations and antique markets in the United States for cabinets and furniture.

The design has its tongue firmly planted in its cheek and shouldn’t be taken too seriously. We hope we’ve created an environment that will encourage people to have fun.