If anyone knows about hospitality design, it’s Hayley Mitchell and Samantha Eades, the founders of interior architecture and design practice Mitchell & Eades. Together this dynamic duo has changed the face of dining in Melbourne with the recent openings of Maison Batard, Mr Mills and Marmelo, along with myriad hotels and restaurants at home and in India, Japan and Dubai.

Mitchell & Eades has an ever-expanding staff of some 45 people and is a force to be reckoned with on the global hospitality stage. Head office is in Melbourne with a studio in Dubai and the output of the practice is enormous, encompassing small food and beverage projects up to large international hotels and resorts. Return clients are a given and among their number are the Lucas Restaurants, Six Senses, Hyatt and many single venue operators.

It all began in 2020 when Hayley Mitchell and Samantha Eades decided to join forces to establish their own unique practice. Each had a successful independent career but, in coming together, they brought to the partnership a plethora of knowledge and incredible experience from years working across south-east Asia, the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific region and Europe.

At the heart of their practice is a passion for people-centric design that is sophisticated, timeless and appropriate to site, client and clientele. There is no standard design as each project is particular and, with an understanding of what is required to exceed a brief, Mitchell & Eades is a leader in hospitality design.

Renowned as a global food capital, the Melbourne food scene is a tough market. Customers are knowledgeable and expect the best, whether grabbing a sandwich from a small café or dining in an upmarket restaurant. Of course, the cuisine is vital but the interior design absolutely matters too – and it is this that differentiates one venue from another to attract and hold patrons. Last year Mitchell & Eades was involved with the opening 12 new venues, in particular with three outstanding projects in the Melbourne CBD that have garnered publicity and importantly brought in the crowds.

Maison Batard opened to great applause in 2024 and was eight years in the making, it was indeed a labour of love. The project was a design collaboration between Chris and Sarah Lucas and Mills Gorman Architects and as a four-level hospitality destination, Maison Batard is making quite an impact on the Melbourne hospitality scene.

The venue is situated at the top end of Bourke Street within a heritage building. The design was inspired by France and each level of dining and drinking space is crafted with care and individuality. Below ground is The Basement Club with red velvet walls and ceilings, a Verde marble bar and a stage for live music and entertainment. It’s a place for a night out and with live entertainment, it is gathering a following for those who enjoy night life with attitude.

The ground floor of Maison Batard boasts contemporary French design with dark panelled walls, vaulted ceilings with deep cornices, marble benchtops, a 13-metre open kitchen with bronze canopy, an oyster counter and a curved bar with Calacutta Paonazzo top.

The first floor is more subdued, a salon style setting with French oak Herringbone floors, a restored Parisian chandelier above a feature marble table and two bars. In this space there is also a mezzanine for private functions.

At the top of the building, on the second floor, is La Terrasse with a central courtyard and a 50-year-old Maple tree surrounded by landscaped gardens by Paul Bangay. For warmth and gravitas there is a large marble fireplace, velvet lounges and rugs, Jaques Garcia wall sconces and the pièce de résistance, a sunken bar.

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In all, Maison Batard is sophisticated and alluring. It provides a place for everyone and every occasion. The interior is creative and exciting but it also offers that certain charm where effortless luxury combines with ultimate comfort for the total interior package.

Marmelo and Mr Mills, on the other hand, reflect the building they inhabit but are each a contemporary design to complement the cuisine on offer. Situated in the heritage-listed Russell House in the CBD of Melbourne, Marmelo is at street level and a staircase connects to Mr Mills downstairs.

Marmelo celebrates the heritage of the building retaining the Victorian charm and infusing it with textured and authentic materiality throughout the bar and dining room. A sweeping banquette faces the main bar then through to the dining room that features a bespoke wood fired oven and glazed wine room.

The interior complements the Portuguese fare on offer with handcrafted tiles and original artworks by Lucy Rolef and Ben Mazey and the aesthetic is relaxed but so very chic.

Down the central, chartreuse-coloured staircase is Mr Mills. The interior is sophisticated with mirror, velvet and timber creating comfort and tactility. The floorplan is divided into two distinct zones, a bar and a semi-private dining space and a lounge. Again, there is spectacular banquette seating in two organic curvaceous forms, along with tables and chairs, lamp light and neon. This is the place to party with a crowd or enjoy an intimate cocktail and works by Nick Thomm and Dion Horstman add that touch of finesse. A feature of Mr Mills is the wall mural by Niqui Toldi that adds colour and a touch of fun.

As Mitchell & Eades celebrates five years in business in 2025, it is a credit to the two principals to see the breadth of their work in such an incredibly short time. This year there will be at least 15 completed venues across the globe and the commissions just keep coming. Excellent design speaks for itself and Mitchell & Eades is making its presence felt at home, within the region and on the global stage.

Hospitality design is first and foremost about people, providing the experiential, exploring possibilities and creating the unexpected. Mitchell & Eades knows how to conceive and deliver projects that touch people and inspire wonder, and it all happens through the passion for excellent design.

Mitchell & Eades
mitchelleades.com

Photography
Marmelo & Mr Mills: Anson Smart
Maison Batard: Lillie Thompson

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