Vin Populi is located in Fremantle’s historic West End, once the bustling hub of the port city. Its architecture speaks of the affluence and optimism of the gold rush era. During the 20th century and after World War II, southern European migrants added something of their own to this unique location on the Indian Ocean. In subsequent years it has largely become a tertiary precinct with a university operating from many of its historic buildings.
The space in which Vin Populi resides was home to a Fremantle dining institution for more than 50 years; the Abrugiato family operated the Roma restaurant for decades before they eventually closed the doors and sold the property. The building’s visionary new owners have had great success in hospitality and property and are seeking to honour this proud history while looking forward.
The design brief was to create a contemporary Italian dining experience that captures the essence of La Dolce Vita as well as Fremantle’s proximity to the ocean and rich history both built and cultural. The design approach sought to heighten the sense of the building’s original early 20th century history by stripping back years of finishes while overlaying new materials, finishes, and furnishings that were markedly Italian.
Curved painted steel and piped upholstered cushions allude to the venue’s portside location while tiled and Formica tops are a nod to the domestic dining tables that brought European families and friends together for long afternoon meals. The walls have been meticulously and selectively stripped back to reveal a collage of plaster, paint and render that creates a wonderfully tactile backdrop for colourful and graphic lighting, tiling and wall hangings. The overall tone is warm but still fresh, lively and inclusive with a touch of theatre.
