Sydney based design studio, loopcreative, has been appointed to transform one of Surry Hill’s most loved venues, Foveaux Restaurant, into a fresh, new casual dining space. Based on chef and owner Darrell Felstead’s new direction for more relaxed food and atmosphere, loopcreative set about creating a space that reflected his new vision of the 38-seat restaurant, which launched this weekend under the new name – Foveaux St Dining.

Patrons now enter the restaurant through a sculptural wine cellar constructed from reinforced steel leading up to the dining space. The palette has been darkened down, making the restaurant more intimate with lights placed deliberately over the tables. Tablecloths have been removed and the seating is now more inclusive, creating a warm and inviting environment to share a meal with friends and family, any night of the week.

The bar downstairs, formerly The Red Door, has also been given a makeover and has been transformed into a more grown up venue – Deli Wine Bar. Entrance to the Deli Wine Bar is now via the rear Sophia Lane through fire exit safety stairs, underneath a flashing neon sign. After the strip out, what has been left behind is a subterranean bar that is simple, raw and honest. The old decorative sofas and poufs have made way for form ply seats, sound lab booths and a cyclone fence mesh woven ceiling. The bankers’ lamps are enough light on the tables to eat, drink and plot some mischief.

Rod Faucheux, director of loopcreative, explains: “Working with such a well-known and respected chef as Darrell was both an honour and a challenge. We both had high expectations to meet to make sure that his baby was brought back to life in the way he truly envisaged it. We feel that the end result really reflects the original brief of bringing the space back to an honest, simple experience that diners can enjoy any day of the week.”

loopcreative is a Sydney based design studio with a passion for hospitality, retail and installation projects both in Australia and overseas. loopcreative creates vivid consumer experiences that enhance people’s lives at multiple points of interaction through interiors, graphics and 3D visualisation. Recent projects have included Chiara restaurant in Melbourne and Baker & Evans Catering & Events for Walker Evans Baker Restaurant Group, retail pop-ups for Roger Tait Man and Brand X Creative Playground at Central Park, and a high end Fiji resort for Walker Corp.

Design: loopcreative