Project Team

Interior Design: response-group
AV: Lamba

Suppliers

Tiles: TAM Terrazzo, Gasparre, Academy Tiles, Arte Domus, Glennon Tiles
Flooring: Formica Flooring
Fabric: Instyle Fabrics, Kvadrat Maharam
Resin Table Tops: Laminex
Wallpaper: Moku, Baresque
Carpet: Tascot Carpets
Lighting: JSB Lighting
High dry bar tables: Contempo Furniture
Dining tables: Contempo Furniture
Wicker Dining Chairs: Cafe Culture
Timber joinery (incl bar top & shelves): Class Kitchens & Joinery
Gaming stools: Freeform Commerical Furniture

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.”

Part of the transformation included the removal of all existing sporting memorabilia and dated furniture in place of more current and contemporary styling. A diverse array of textures and finishes, from reflective gold panels to Inax Japanese bricks were utilised to create a warm and comfortable experience. Warm timber and fresh colours create a cost-viable but effective solution. The dynamic black and white mosaic patterned bar front has become a focal point for the main public area and lifted the look and feel of the space. The gaming room was also given a lift through the use of mirrors, feature wallpapers and effective specialist lighting.

Since its transformation the tavern has attracted greater patron numbers, including a significant increase in the female and family demographic. Locals and newcomers appreciate the warm but contemporary feel of the space, as well as the new menu offerings.

Lamba supplied and installed three Panasonic 65″ plasma screens as well as Electrovoice Evid 6.2 speakers, Electrovoice EVID C4.2 ceiling speakers and Electrovoice Evid 3.2t speakers for outdoors.Australian Monitor amplifiers drive the system with an Australian Monitor ZM-3 Matrix Mixer.