Australia is known for its coffee quality, but our café design is equally idolised around the world. We explore what it takes to be memorable, and whether money really talks.
Some of Australia’s most impressive café experiences are not because they serve the latest Cup of Excellence-winning coffee, or Instagram-worthy smashed avos and smoothie bowls, but because of their impressive design.
In Melbourne, there’s Brother Baba Budan with its iconic chairs stuck to the ceiling, Au79 with no expense spared on the gold trimmings, St Ali with its casual industrial look, Higher Ground’s massive hotel-like attraction in an ex-power station, and in Sydney the Grounds of Alexandria revolutionised what a café space could be, complete with flower market, roastery, and wedding reception.
Jacqui Senior, Senior Associate and Hospitality Sector Leader at Woods Bagot in Sydney, knows what it takes to stand out from the crowd. She was involved in Campos Coffee’s award-winning Barangaroo site in Sydney and says in this instance, it was the location that inspired the café’s now-iconic jewelry box shape.
Read More
