The revival of fashion and design trends is cyclical. Since the early 2000s we’ve seen the return of mid-century modernism, bohemian ’70s, big-and-bold ’80s and now ’90s nostalgia is in full swing. In fact, it’s the inspiration behind C.C. Babcoq, a rotisserie, carvery and cocktail bar in Cronulla named for Chastity Claire “C.C.” Babcock, Mr Sheffield’s secretary, on the ’90s sitcom The Nanny. Designed by Tom Mark Henry, C.C. Babcoq is a fun and quirky space inspired by its namesake’s personality.

“We had a lot of fun abstracting C.C.’s character and exploring how we could bring that out in the interior,” says Tom Mark Henry director Cushla McFadden. “We looked to stills from the show, scenes, outfits and lines that could provide inspiration for a bold and sassy interior, whilst fitting in with the Cronulla foodie scene.”

C.C. Babcoq is located in an art-deco building just two blocks back from the beach. Tom Mark Henry continued the art-deco curves into the shape of the green terrazzo bar, terrazzo floor inlay and the booth and banquette seating. The venue offers dine-in and takeaway with a central kitchen separating the two, and both shopfronts face the pedestrian-only street with alfresco dining spilling out across the pavement.

The colour and material palette reference the beachside location. Terrazzo on the bar and in the bathroom is evocative of the ocean and sand, and the light and breezy colour palette – green, blue, pink and beige – is a fusion of coastal influences. These colours, as well as the graphic white-and-black pattern on the banquette upholstery, bathroom wallpaper and outdoor tables, also hark back to the fashion of the 1990s, which was originally inspired by comic books and pop art.

A vibrant 4-metre-high mural titled Rockpool by Lymesmith fuses these colours and stylised patterns together, splashing them across the rear wall in an abstract aerial view of an ocean rock pool, catching the attention of passers-by.

“These colours and finishes came together in a carefully considered palette,” says Cushla. “The geometry and colour of the mural successfully pairs with the finishes and furniture of the interiors, which is quite restrained, yet playful and bold.”

Like C.C. Babcock the character, C.C. Babcoq the bar and eatery is playful and bold, with colour, pattern and personality inspired by its muse.

Photography by Damian Bennett.

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