Australia’s most amazing bars, restaurants and hotels unveiled at the 2021 Eat Drink Design Awards

Going out of the house for a drink, a meal, a coffee or a night out is not just getting away from home. As the last two years have strengthened, it is also a question of soaking up a magnificent setting. You can sip and snack anywhere, but when you do it in a place that really stands out (and not just because it’s not your own kitchen or dining room), it makes the experience all the more so. more special.

The Eat Drink Design Awards clearly agree, dedicating their annual hospitality design accolades to Australia’s most amazing places – places where chefs, signature dishes, creative cocktails, stellar coffee and beds Cozy aren’t the only attractions. Reviewing the number of jaw-dropping locations from last year, the 2021 winner’s list is typically filled with eye-catching charmers, spread across the country.

Melburnians, your town is now home to the recipient of Best Bar Design, with IF Architecture’s work on Little Prince Wine earning the green light. The wine bar below the Prince of St Kilda Hotel on Acland Street has received praise for its intimate space, mix of old and new, and attention to detail, including its fiberglass champagne tub , its mirrored promotion board and its art deco-inspired lighting.

And, it also won the Best Retail Design gong for its cheese, cold meats, wines and dry products counter.

Vin du Petit Prince by Sharyn Cairns

The field for best restaurant design was so competitive that two winners were chosen, which is great news for the Sydneysiders and Brisbanites. Parramatta Square’s Ciccia Bella, designed by Fiona Lynch Interior Design, received some love for its use of materials – with a particular shout out for its unexpected textures – while Agnes of Fortitude Valley, as designed by Amok, was honored for turning a late 19th century warehouse into a wood-fired food haven.

Brisbane also took victory in the Best Cafe Design category, thanks to Industry Beans Newstead and its light and airy coffee space. Designed by Platform by DesignOffice, the judges called it “Queensland’s quintessential daytime restaurant”.

And, if you’re looking for a lavish place to stay, add Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street to your list. Thanks to its combination of a new 16-story tower and the heritage Equity Chambers building, as well as its Luci restaurant and The Douglas Club cocktail bar, it won this year’s award for best hotel design.

Ciccia Bella Parramatta by Nikki To

The 2021 Eat Drink Design Awards also named the NGV 2020 Triennial exterior pavilions by Board Grove Architects as Best Installation Design, and Melbourne Restaurant Hazel the winner of this year’s Best Identity Design Gong.

For its Hall of Fame award, Bill’s Darlinghurst – designed by Brian Kiernan, with later additions by Tyrone Dearing and Meacham Nockles – got the go-ahead.

This year’s Eat Drink Design Awards also awarded accolades in various categories. Among the sites that also received accolades: Redfern’s Atomic Beer Project and Freshwater’s Harbord Hotel in Sydney; Midi and Piccolina Hardware Lane from Richmond to Melbourne; and McLaren Vale’s Never Never Distillery in South Australia.

NGV Triennial 2020 outdoor pavilions by Rory Gardiner

EAT DRINK DESIGN AWARD 2021 WINNERS

Best Restaurant Design: CicciaBella by Fiona Lynch Interior Design (Parramatta, New South Wales) and Agnes by Amok (Fortitude Valley, Queensland)
Best Coffee Design: Industry Beans Brisbane by Platform by DesignOffice (Newstead, Queensland)
Best Bar Design: Little Prince Wine by IF Architecture (St Kilda, Victoria)
Best Hotel Design: Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street by Bates Smart (Melbourne, Victoria)
Best Installation Design: NGV Triennial Exterior Pavilions 2020 by BoardGrove Architects (Melbourne, Victoria)
Best Commercial Design: Little Prince Wine by IF Architecture (St Kilda, Victoria)
Best Identity Design: Hazel by One & Other (Melbourne, Victoria)
Hall of Fame: Bill’s Darlinghurst by Brian Kiernan with later additions by Tyrone Dearing & Meacham Nockles (Darlinghurst New South Wales)

For the full list of winners and commendations, visit the Eat Drink Design website.

Featured images: Industry Beans Brisbane by Andy Macpherson, Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street by Sean Fennessy, Agnes by Cathy Schusler and Little Prince Wine by Sharyn Cairns.

Posted on 09 December 2021 by

Sarah ward