Whisky Bar @ The Victoria Hotel

Situated on the ground floor of the Victoria Hotel on Little Collins Street, this intervention reimagines an existing staff room as an intimate, contemporary bar. The design reconfigures the internal layout to accommodate seating and service areas, carefully balancing functionality with the retention of the building’s original fabric. Subtle spatial shifts and material choices create a sense of openness, while the interior maintains a dialogue with the heritage character of the hotel.

To address the lack of direct street access from Baptist Place, a new entry has been introduced, framed with refined detailing and contemporary signage that complements the existing architecture. On Little Collins Street, under-verandah signage has been strategically positioned to attract and guide pedestrians, reinforcing a legible and welcoming entry sequence.

Materiality and detailing play a central role in defining the bar’s identity: warm timber surfaces, muted finishes, and carefully considered lighting animate the space, creating an inviting atmosphere that contrasts with yet respects the historic urban context. The intervention is both functional and experiential, enhancing the building’s presence on a bustling city street while providing a tailored, human-scaled environment for patrons.