Take your pick: sun-filled atrium or characterful Victorian terrace? The Kettle Black in South Melbourne has the choice of both for those standing on the threshold.
A left turn takes customers into the newly-built part of the premises where it’s all about the natural light and contemporary design, while heading in the opposite direction one finds a continuation of the modern vibe but in a converted residential property with period features including a beautifully ornate fireplace and ceiling cornice work. Whichever butters your toast.
The Kettle Black, located on Albert Road, has certainly captured the imagination of the Restaurant and Bar Design judges, who have included the venue on their top eight shortlist for this year’s best international café prize. Who can blame them? The place makes a bold statement from the moment one walks in; the black and white landscape printed on a gilded screen in the lobby is a quite the welcome. A pale palette based on oak and polished concrete form a backdrop that runs throughout. Accents of brass, gold and green, and the geometry of the hexagonal floor tiles give some extra pop. A concrete waste pipe reborn as a sculptural wash basin is an example of the clever thinking behind this considered interior. A definite winner in our book.
