TEA FOR TWO, WITH A VIEW
The Tea Room
Suakin Drive, Georges Heights, Sydney 2088
(02) 8962 5900 or www.thetearoom.com.au
Luxury dining and events establishment The Tea Room Gunners’ Barracks has re-opened its doors after a short hiatus to reveal a fresh interior, following a cosmetic refurbishment led by Sydney-based architect Thomas Spangenberg.
Housed in a former military barracks (originally designed by colonial architect James Barnet and constructed in 1873) The Tea Room Gunners’ Barracks was restored and re-opened as a dining and event venue by luxury hospitality operator Grand Pacific Group in 2005. “Following seven years of high intensity trading, we wanted to re-invigorate the venue by creating a contemporary, sophisticated interior that still complemented the building’s old-world charm and heritage,” says Founder and CEO of Grand Pacific Group Manuel Spinola.
The result is a softer, lighter colour palette and modern, updated design features including custom designed carpets, wallpaper and curtains, offset with Waterford crystal chandeliers. In addition, customised furniture crafted from Calcutta marble, onyx stone and solid timber are upholstered in exquisite fabrics and leathers.
The exterior has also enjoyed a cosmetic facelift with the previous heritage colours of burgundy and yellow replaced with shades of grey and white, to complement the sandstone heritage building while giving it a more modern feel. In addition, the venue’s sandstone courtyard has been revitalised as a new outdoor seating option.
Meanwhile, the harbour deck has been fitted with a heated, retractable outdoor terrace roofing system that allows for the deck area to be open when the weather is fine and completely enclosed in inclement conditions, while still allowing guests to have uninterrupted access to the harbour views of Camp Cove, Rose Bay and Watsons Bay.
“We have sourced furniture and fittings from all over the world, with every element and finish carefully selected to suit The Tea Room Gunners’ Barracks’ opulent charm and style,” says Spinola. “We’re thrilled to have given this 139 year old building another new lease on life, to be enjoyed for years to come.”