10 February 2012

Press* Food and Wine

This Adelaide restaurant's commitment to all that's natural, simple and organic is reflected in its design.

Adelaide's CBD has seen a number of inspired new dining venues pop up in recent years, bringing new vitality to the city outside of its established hospitality precincts.

One of the most recent is press*, a restaurant and wine bar set over 2 levels in a pre-19th century building on Waymouth Street. Taking its design cues from its food philosophy, the fitout has an earthy, natural feel.

"Press* has a strong food concept focusing on fresh, local, 'from farm to plate', organic, home-grown, simple yet delicious food, so I tried to focus on the same ideology when it came to the design of the space," says designer Claire Kneebone.

"The building was a great canvas for this concept. Built in 1880, its original use was a printing press, hence we had some great features to work and expose."

Recycled timber and steel bring warmth and character to the space while showcasing the beauty of its existing features.

Each of the 2 levels of the restaurant has a distinct feel; downstairs, with its long communal tables, is relaxed and casual.

Upstairs is elegant in an old-world fashion, with blue velvet booth seating, bronze mirror and copper joinery and japan black timber veneered panelling all harking back to the 1920s, when the building served as a billiard saloon.

Custom furniture, joinery and light fittings were designed by Kneebone herself. "All in all it was a very hands-on project," she says, explaining that all recycled materials were sourced locally.