At the heart of our hospitality design philosophy is the belief that great dining experiences are shaped not only by food, but by the spaces that surround them. As part of our commitment to thoughtful, experience-led design, we encourage our team to explore new venues firsthand. These outings give us insight into how atmosphere, service and visual storytelling come together in hospitality settings—and they offer inspiration for our own projects. 

Recently, our team members Anna, Fiorella and Kathia visited Bar Julius in Redfern, a neighbourhood venue with bold interiors, a share-friendly menu and plenty of character. Here’s what they took away from the experience. 

THE DESIGN  

Anna: I loved how the space engages the street with its large windows. It invites people in. The mix of seating options caters to everyone, from solo diners to big groups. As the evening went on, it only got more inviting. 

Fiorella: The timber door at the entrance makes a big statement, and the red-tiled threshold is memorable. Inside, I loved the art and printed ceiling. It all contributes to a layered and sensory atmosphere. The arched motifs carry you through the space in a really satisfying way. 

Katia: There’s a poetry to the material palette. It’s all sunburnt hues and warm finishes, contrasted with the sharpness of stone bar fronts and water stations. My only critique is the lighting near the waiter stations. Those sconces became a bit too bright as the night wore on, disrupting the otherwise mellow glow. 

THE FOOD  

Anna: I was immediately taken by the beautiful presentation of each dish. The tomato tart in particular stood out with its vibrant colours and elegant plating. It was charming and inviting. We ordered a selection of share plates, which made for a fun and varied sampling across veg, seafood and meat. The pasta main was a standout. It was simple, but executed perfectly. 

Fiorella: I appreciated the presentation, but some of the flavours didn’t quite meet the expectations set visually. The crab salad lacked depth, and I wished the beef tartare had more delicacy to it. That said, the mushroom cacio e pepe was a highlight. It was balanced, rich and comforting. I also thought the wine list was great, though I would have loved to see a few more vegan-friendly options. 

Katia: We shared several dishes, from crab cakes to tartare to the tomato tarte tatin, which ended up being my favourite. Sweet, tangy and beautifully textured. While I didn’t personally have any dietary requirements, I did notice a lack of clearly vegan options, which is worth noting. Overall, it felt like a refined take on classic Australian seafood dining, rounded out with upscale surprises like the signature burger. 

THE SERVICE  

Anna: The service was warm from the moment we arrived. It was a weeknight, so we passed on cocktails, but our server helped us choose a great wine from the list. They were enthusiastic and attentive without being overbearing. 

Fiorella: The staff made us feel welcome right away. We were seated quickly and served in good time. Some of the team were still learning the ropes, referring to notes when describing dishes, but they were friendly and helpful and it didn’t impact our experience much. 

Katia: I was really impressed by how seamlessly the staff managed the floor. Our server adapted to our wine preferences and was consistently attentive. They suggested pairings, offered top-ups at just the right time, and made us feel taken care of without being too formal. 

THE BRANDING 

Anna: The vaulted ceiling is such a striking visual element. It gives the whole venue a real presence. It’s a beautiful space to walk into. 

Fiorella: There’s a thoughtful curation of art that makes the space feel almost like a gallery. It’s trendy and Instagram-friendly, for sure, but not in a try-hard way. 

Katia: From social media, I expected a casual after-work bar. What we walked into felt more like a moody underground escape. The design unfolds beautifully throughout the night. Warm light, rich tones and those circular windows drawing you in. It’s a layered space with personality. 

THE VERDICT  

Anna: It’s a colourful, artistic spot with a relaxed vibe. Whether you’re after a drink, a snack or a full meal, it delivers. The interiors elevate it beyond the usual. 

Fiorella: It’s an eye-catching place with some unexpected details, especially in the art. A great spot for a spontaneous night out. 

Katia: I’d definitely come back. It’s the kind of place I’d love to share with friends or visiting family. Full of character, warmth and just a little bit of theatre.