By Vanessa Cavasinni, editor of Australian Hotelier
Bayfield Hotels have added to the offering of the Light Brigade Hotel in Woollahra, with the additions of the Brigade Lounge on level two and a newly constructed rooftop bar, brigade Rooftop.
The Bayfield family purchased the hotel in Sydney’s eastern suburbs off Haritos Hotels a year ago, after selling the Newport Arms to Justin Hemmes’ Merivale. At the time of the sale, Dean Haritos had had a development application (DA) in with local council to add a rooftop space to the hotel.
Kaine Bayfield, COO of Bayfield Hotels told TheShout that, with the possibility of the DA being denied, the rooftop space was not a deciding factor in the purchase of the hotel. Nevertheless, the DA was granted and twelve months on, both the New York-style rooftop with city views and the second level cocktail lounge have now been constructed and fitted out.
Bayfield Hotels worked with interior design firm SJB on both spaces. The open-air bar, which sits 83m above sea level and has fantastic views of Sydney’s CBD and harbour, has a relaxed, New Mexico vibe, with lots of succulents, white render and timber furniture, plus a wood-fired pizza oven.
“We had a vision for the new rooftop and lounge bars, but found it hard to put into words. We worked with SJB interior designers, who understood exactly what we were after and the final product has completely exceeded our expectations!" said Bayfield. I love how different the two levels are, yet they work so well together — the classy setting of the lounge bar, offering delicious cocktails and the casual, New York-inspired rooftop terrace with the spectacular view of the Sydney skyline and harbour."
The Brigade Lounge plays on the art deco aesthetic of the building, with a 1920s vibe throughout. Peacock blue velvet and tan leather furniture, combined with rendered walls, a tiled bar and brass-edged mirrors make for an intimate and stylish space. The F&B offering will focus on cocktails, champagne and share plates.
The Brigade Rooftop is not yet open for trade to the public, as Bayfield Hotels is still waiting on confirmation of the extended license from Liquor & Gaming NSW. The space is expected to be operating within a few weeks.
Along with Merivale’s recent revamp of The Paddington, Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham taking over the Unicorn Hotel, and Solotel’s current renovations of the Paddington Inn, The Light Brigade’s new offering is set to reinvigorate the eastern end of Oxford Street as a hospitality destination.