Sydney’s newest culinary precinct, Prefecture 48, has just been completed and is now open and ready for business. Providing exciting options for lovers of Japanese cuisine, Prefecture 48 sets a new standard, not just for drinking and dining, but for hospitality design.

Created for Azabu Group, Prefecture 48 showcases the art of excellent design from Bates Smart with Brenton Smith, Design Director, as lead on the project. The culinary precinct breathes new life into the former heritage listed Foley Brothers warehouse and comprises six individual venues over three levels and 983-square-metres of floorspace.

Its Sussex Street address adds a hospitality destination to the western edge of the Sydney CBD — an area light on high calibre bars and restaurants.

Bates Smart worked with Studio Ongarato who developed the venue’s art strategy and signage. Titled ‘Floating World’, it succeeds in providing an immersive voyage through Japanese folklore, travel, theatre and entertainment, that together enhance the interior design.

Says Smith on the design approach, “Japan has such a rich cultural heritage. Alongside Ongarato, we created a narrative in each space that is defined by its food. By digging into each type of food, we were able to lead each restaurant design in a different direction.”

From the building’s façade that is expertly lit to display the structure to the entry and formerly the old cartway to the building, design is in sharp focus with Dear Florence pâtisserie. With a light and airy aesthetic, thick plaster on the entrance wall evokes the idea of frosting on cakes, wall tiles are glossy and the floor is glazed – all in keeping with the idea of celebrating sweet treats.

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Also on the ground floor is Ibushi which showcases the fire of robatayaki cooking techniques. Timber textures and soft fabrics combine to present a warm and tactile interior and a sweeping woven artwork, by artist Rasco Jugarap, positioned on the ceiling overhead resembles the smoke wisps from the robata grill.

Moving into the building and through the internal courtyard, at the rear is Whisky Thief a place that pays homage to the strong golden liquor that is whiskey. The dramatic design of the interior of this venue includes a bar clad in PVD in rose gold finish, by Twisted Metal, to resemble whiskey stills. Fabric with a pattern reminiscent of the tattoos of Japanese Yakuza cover lounges and there are hidden whisky cabinets and unusual bespoke artworks on the walls.

Up to level one and Garaku which offers a kaiseki menu. With a curtained entrance and PIXEL, a large-scale light artwork by Hiroto Yoshizoe that swathes the walls in pink and blue hues, the interior of this venue is dramatic yet minimal. There is dark timber flooring and traditional countertop and chairs for diners, ensuring comfort while enjoying the multi-course menu.

On level two are Omakase and FIVE, a Japanese-Euro fusion restaurant. Omakase is small with seating for just eight diners at any one time. It presents as a traditional Japanese restaurant with counter and fine black leather and timber chairs by Ownworld. The dining zone has been raised so that the seated guest is near eye level to the chef and can watch as each course and dish is prepared.

Behind the working counter and extending over the ceiling is a folded timber baton screen that helps to enclose the diners and becomes a feature of the interior. Its design takes its cue from the room’s original sawtooth wheel crank, which has been left in place on the ceiling.

FIVE on the other hand is more spacious, with high ceilings and circular tables and chairs. The design concept encapsulates five elements essential to cuisine: taste, cooking, colour, feeling and mind. Its materiality celebrates the building’s heritage timber, and its palette is light and fresh as a nod to nature.

There is uplighting in red above the arched wall that bathes the surrounds up to the ceiling and highlights the original beams. The bar stretches the length of the floor and custom tubular pendant lights, by Electrolight, hang from the ceiling and spotlight the counter. The back of the bar is mirrored and back lit and reflects the buzz of the room and adds a feeling of largesse to the interior.

In all, Prefecture 48 is a must-visit destination for all those who like fine design and Japanese cuisine. With choice aplenty in the style of food to eat, there is literally something for everyone and encompasses sweet flavours to an intimate experience, lovers of whiskey and traditional or contemporary Japanese fare. But of course, it is the design and individual identities of the venues that sets this precinct apart. Each has been crafted with great detail and thought and reflects the aesthetics of Japan coupled with a modern Australian sensibility.

Smith nicely sums up the overall experience and ambition, saying, “Prefecture 48 is truly a destination. Our design helps it be not just about the food. It’s about the stories you will take with you, that stay with you long after you visit.”

Smith and his team of David Birtwistle, Amelia Donald, Kaitlin Gordon and Dani Meyerowitz, have brought to life a culinary journey through Japan and achieved a singular result. Prefecture 48 is the place to be for food and drink and to simply enjoy the experiential. Bates Smart has created a little slice of Japan that sits beautifully in its Australian surrounds and, once again, expert design has ensured the result is magical.

Bates Smart
batessmart.com

Photography
Anson Smart

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