The Bourbon | Paul Kelly Design

Paul Kelly Design announces that the Bourbon, Sydney’s Kings Cross institution dating back to 1967, will be reopening in January 2013 after a major renovation and overhaul. When the venue once again opens its fine doors, it will be a venue that fits hand in glove with the atmosphere of a neighborhood that embraces a New Orleans vibe. Kings Cross is a part of the changing bohemian backdrop that is defined differently by each generation. Unable to be all things to all men, it nevertheless holds a few idiosyncrasies that endear it to virtually any visitor and local. At a time when Art Deco once again reigns supreme, it caters to an upscale clientele that differs considerably from the Vietnam War soldiers it attracted in times past. It is fair to say that the ever-changing nature of Kings Cross was actually the undoing of the venue in the first place. When it changed hands in 2005, new owners recreated a 1980s paradise with chrome and glass. The new design did little to entice red light district patrons and Injecting Room clientele to give it a try. Adding insult to injury, the Bourbon had become a locale that had left the soul of Kings Cross untouched. There was no nod to the area’s bohemian vibe, unconventional lifestyle or avant-garde shops. When the locale promptly closed after less than two years, locals felt vindicated. Now the venue is scheduled to open again. The interior design is true to the gentrification that has marked Kings Cross’ changing vibe. It is also true to the raucous history associated with the locale. In short, this time around Paul Kelly Design have taken the dilapidated building and returned it to its former glory albeit with plenty of upgrades inspired directly by Kings Cross itself. Reinstating the design of the old Bourbon and Beefsteak - as it used to be known - is a stroke of genius that local restaurant owners have been anticipating for the better part of a year now. With the opening date right around the corner, they will see that their patience is rewarded. Paul Kelly has worked hard to bring the atmosphere of the Bourbon back to life, linking it back to its New Orleans Roots and bringing back the open all hours feeling, with live music and great food late. The Interior is a sophisticated all day beverage and dining space, using quality finishes and detail combined with a historically referenced classical base. The interior has rich walnut tones edged with brass highlights and encapsulated within a selection of vibrant 1920’s Atlantic tones accentuated with punches of contemporary lighting hotspots down textured black on black Soho styled brick columns. The bar is the classic New York inspired bar that you have never been to, nice and low, wide stone tops with that little brass edging again, overhead display hampers that keep you cozy and a great display of the best Bourbon in town. The Front Terrace will appear to be the original 1920’s building line coming down to meet the street, with the detailed outdoor dining spaces over geometric black and white stone pattered rugs, a bookcase behind you a fire place to the side, the terrace with its grand volumes will entice. The journey around the bourbon is via mink toned Haisa marble herringbone flooring, which is replicated on the ceilings with handmade oak tinted timber herringbone to create the perfect match. The staircase to the basement facilities is a work of art in solid brass, bronze fretted paneling and timber walnut handrails all over solid single piece Marble treads to arrive on a carpet of hand crafted Italian glass mosaics in a pattern reminiscent of a 1930’s brooch. The combined facilities in the basement are center pieced by a French antique cast iron free standing fountain that has been modified to create a hand basin for 4. The detail within the female facilities with its Carrara Marble wall cladding and its Titanic inspired stone and brass vanities with a nod to postindustrial lighting make them a signature piece.