Micro whiskey bar, ‘Alleyway’ a hidden gem in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, nestled away in the laneway of landmark 200 George. Constrained by a 3-metre width, this unused lift-lobby presented an opportunity to combine raw materials with clever spatial design, delivering an original European-style ‘hole in the wall’ offering.
Who are the clients and what's interesting about them? The client’s ambition was to deliver an original market offering that would complement the branding of their existing café bars. As the ‘cheeky little brother’ in the family, Alleyway is stamped with a friendly invitation to ‘join the family’ - personifying the humble beginnings of the client. The design reflects their ethos of stripped-back authenticity - in both history and welcoming service.
What was the brief? Located at the base of 200 George Street, in the heart of Sydney’s laneway revitalisation initiative, Alleyway is ideally located to capture commuter foot traffic once the redevelopment is realised.
Functional considerations were key when spatially planning this narrow space, with every millimetre considered. This width meant the bar would be standing-room only with outdoor seating. The constraints presented an opportunity for the concept; a cosy meeting point serving up bespoke drinks, quick bites and a little corporate escapism.
The client’s ambition was to deliver an original market offering that would complement the branding of their existing café bars. As the ‘cheeky little brother’ in the family, Alleyway is stamped with a friendly invitation to ‘join the family’ - personifying the humble beginnings of the client. The design reflects their ethos of stripped-back authenticity - in both history and welcoming service.
The raw look and feel is achieved by exposing the concrete walls, and juxtaposing recycled timbers with rich metal details. Copper piping, polished nickel, and a unique patterned metal provide elegance and polish, whilst the timber provides warmth against the cool concrete. Lighting was skilfully integrated into concealed spaces, allowing this small space to glow – beckoning passers-by inside.
What were the key challenges? Alleyway is the perfect example of how a tiny, unused space in a premium location can be transformed into a cosy micro whiskey bar, breathing life into a corporate hub and augmenting Sydney’s emerging laneway scene. When design is considered and clever, any space can be activated.
Sitting in contrast to the sleek commercial tower in which it resides, the lighting enhances the textures and patina of natural and reclaimed materials, beckoning commuters in.
Working within the challenge of an extremely tight space saw the interior designers working collaboratively with the contractor throughout the construction phase, making ongoing refinements that would ultimately improve the design quality and ensure the most effective use of space was delivered for the Avenue Group. This hands-on approach allowed the designers, contractor and client to refine and finesse details throughout the construction process.
How is the project unique? The innovative bar design functions cohesively, from an operational perspective: maximising storage and functionality whilst minimising bar staff crossover in the narrow space. Concrete walls were left exposed while hand-selected reclaimed timber display crates form a design solution of space-saving storage.
This clever use of a lift lobby (near a loading dock), is innovatively transformed into a dynamic bar, which activates the public domain around the site. The warm glow of ambient illumination, combined with mirror strips create an illusory depth of space for customers.
Through collaboration - a functional and attractive bar in a small space was realised.
Key products used: The raw look and feel is achieved by fusing recycled timbers with rich metal details. Copper piping, polished nickel, a unique patterned metal ceiling and a resilient bronze serving ledge in a Verdigris finish support the brand identity, while employing the existing site as an industrial backdrop. Lighting was skilfully integrated into concealed spaces, providing ambient illumination, design interest while mirror strips create an illusory depth of space.
1. Ceiling Finish – Aluminium pressed metal panels finished in Dulux Metal shield to form a bronze metallic finish. 2. Wall finishes – Existing concrete wall, sanded and sealed to have a polished concrete finish 3. Smokey Grey mirror along wall 4. Recycled Timber – Tea Grey Timber used for all bar front 5. Stainless steel mirror finish for suspended bottle display and all signage 6. Bronze Verdigris Metal Finish for Bar serving Ledge. This will patina and age in time 7. Recycled Timber – Grey faced wire brush timber for feature wall at entry and all custom table tops 8. Handmade apple crates formed from pine timber – bottle display 9. Copper Piping, housing all electrical cables
