The tenancy is located on the ground floor of a large high end residential apartment development with views straight out to the Indian Ocean. The beach is only 100m from the restaurant, providing amazing views and even better sunsets over the water. Although there are many residences in the area, there are no stores within walking distance. So a small retail area providing basics, such as milk, ice cream and even sunblock was also created for patrons in need.

Being close to the beach, designer Jill Stiely wanted to create a place where everyone felt comfortable entering, whether dressed up for a night out, or just coming off the beach with sandy feet. Sandy dogs are also welcome in the alfresco area.

It was necessary to be mindful of the residential apartments directly above and to one side, so sound and foot traffic were major issues that needed to be addressed and approved by the strata and residents.

With an amazing view out to the ocean Jill Stiely orientated a variety of seating (lounge seating, high bars and traditional dining tables) so frequent visitors could chose a seat to suit their mood while enjoying the view.

Materials like steel and concrete were used to reinforce the maritime theme. However, this can be quite harsh and cold, so light timber and velvety fabrics provided the balance to make the space warm and welcoming.

Blues and greens were used to blend into the exterior environment.

The sea container cladding on the front of the bar and lounge area ties elements together. Old sea containers from the nearby port were bought and cut up to suit. It was not an easy task but makes a real statement. The authentic age and wear cannot be recreated and is something so familiar to West Australians, especially Fremantle locals.

For Jill lighting is always key, as this sets the mood for the entire space. Industrial looking wall lights were suggestive of old Port lights.

An underwater topography map of the ocean floor was enlarged and fixed to one large wall. This is the actual map used by the tugboats to pull the large ships into Fremantle harbour.

A local artist was commissioned to create a 3-dimensional organic sculpture to hang from the ceiling. A 2-dimensional interpretation of the sculpture was then installed on the floor directly beneath it.

Jill likes to use smoked mirror on the wall to blur the line of where the restaurant ends. In this restaurant, she put a sea container door on each side of a banquette, making it look as if the banquette was sitting inside the sea container. Above the banquette was smoked mirror, making the setting even more unexpected.

“My vision was to create an inviting environment to entertain the senses without detracting from the view,” commented Jill. “Based on feedback, I think this was achieved.”