The Australian-inspired cafe design of the new Nine Yards Café in Melbourne blends food and setting to deliver an engaging experience to patrons.

Located on the site of the heritage listed former horse stables in South Melbourne, the Nine Yards Café is drawing attention not only for its enticing Australian menu, but also for interior designer GOLDEN’s thoughtful and creative design. It’s a comfortable, warm and casual space that is equally suited to a daytime café or an evening restaurant.

“We love designing hospitality venues and when working with such wonderful and trusting clients, the overall process can result in something quite special,” observes GOLDEN director, Kylie Dorotic.

Representing an authentic, yet modern interpretation of site and context, the 140-seat venue uses a carefully selected colour palette and textures in its interiors to reflect the Australian landscape. In addition to terracotta-pink columns, floor-to-ceiling eucalyptus-green cabinets, and a variety of Australian timbers, including a blackbutt timber island bench, the cafe fitout features Ash Grey brick tiled floors, which beautifully complement Nine Yards’ Australian-inspired café design.

A rich materials palette consisting of raw and natural elements paired with playful finishes, celebrates the Australian landscape throughout the cafe. Local artist Louise Jones has created custom-printed Australiana upholstery for the banquette seating, featuring gum leaves, acacia blossoms and Blue Devil flowers against a bright yellow background.

“Referencing a strong Australiana theme, it was important to respect the heritage of the space and design an eatery with warmth and sophistication,” comments GOLDEN director, Alicia McKimm.

GOLDEN, which has used the Ash Grey brick tiles from Robertson's Building Products Pty Ltd on a number of projects, once again specified them for the cafe.

“We love the variation through the finish of the brick tiles. The speckling matte perfectly complements our desired colour palette creating the perfect warmth to the front of house,” McKimm added.

This creative, thoughtful design of the Nine Yards Café certainly ticks every box. In fact, GOLDEN is already in talks with the owners about working together on another venue.

Photographer: Sharyn Cairns