SUBURBAN SPEAKEASY – THE PALATE HOTEL
Palate Hotel
279 Victoria Rd, Rydalmere NSW 2116
(02) 9680 0515 or palatehotel.com
The Palate Hotel is the dreamchild of owner, Rod Salmon, who conceived of a casual food-focussed venue with quality and heart in the under-served area of Rydalmere in Sydney’s western suburbs. Unlike the standard issue offerings of nearby pubs and takeaways, this is a neo-industrial gem.
For locals, blue collar, white collar workers in the estates nearby and urban spoon gypsies alike, the area had no real options of interest. Part bar, café, restaurant and soon to be gaming, the Palate Hotel is a hotel licence inserted into an industrial setting with a unique and character-filled offer.
Swerve Design were engaged as interior architects and to art direct branding. Ibiz Design and Construct were the project managers and NZ recruit, Ethan Crutcher was site foreman/builder. The industrial character is real and part of the DNA – not a trendy surface treatment. The space used to be an old printing press, possibly a carpark, definitely a warehouse. The unpainted ceiling bears the scars of relocated fluro battens over the years and the furniture is made from actual shipping pallets. The stainless steel guy up the road did all the bar and kitchen from patching bits and pieces. The material palette is kept to a minimum lending an atmosphere that’s simple, raw and clear.
Recycling here has been taken to a new level. In the spirit of Aussie ingenuity, most of the fitout – materials, equipment, furniture, finishes, hardware and fittings – have been rescued, repurposed, re- used or re-engineered. Beyond the box ticking of green regulations and environmentally responsible products, this development could actually have a negative carbon footprint. The old Mansions Hotel fitout in Kings cross was cannibalised for its joinery, cool-room, the bar stainless steel, fridges and furniture, even some of the carpet.
Finishing touches add an overlay of personality and more surprise. Timber drink coasters made to look like mini pallets by Phillip Salmon of Lookaround are a standout. Stamped with the hotel logo, they’re sure to be the most popular souvenir.
Stylist and operator, Opel Kahn, brought the final magic into the space with décor touches and eye for detail. A graffiti artist was commissioned to deck out the function space. The many point sources of light add sparkle to every reflective surface. Feature custom crate pendants by Opel Kahn feature Edison globes for an intimate industrial retro touch over the bar.
Good Vibrations
The AV system features a BOSE sound system installed by the operator to produce a warm rich sound without intrusive speakers. The many screens throughout allow the space to host broadcast events, but visually sit back as to not intrude on the casual dining experience when not required.