The strategy for the Hilton Sydney's existing lobby food and beverage offering Caffé Cino, focused on replacing the existing, inefficient café with a sophisticated, multi function space that addressed the specific needs for a casual café, attracting local traffic throughout the day, as well as a sophisticated lobby bar for hotel guests in the evening.

A clear focus on the operational requirements of the café dictated an increase in the footprint, important improvements to the lines of site and a significant upgrade to the functionality of the space.

It was also deemed imperative to create a strong identity while also ensuring the cafe sat comfortably within the existing built form. The use of black granite benchtops, panelled black gloss laminate bar fronts, black light fittings and detailing in general creates a grounded, solid presence despite the high level of lobby activity. The dark palette also references Hilton's existing black granite floor detailing and panelled reception while importantly providing an aesthetic relevant to both a café and bar application.