Description:

Introducing Somm a new waterfront urban winery cellar door and bar. Positioned enviably on Princes Wharf, Somm captures the ease and comfort of a local wine bar with the ceremony and allure of a regional cellar door. Somm draws its name from Sommelier — a wine steward. These experts are masters of the art, science and history of wine. Put simply, a Sommelier represents the joy of sharing and savouring wine. Somm embodies this.
The project began with the renovation of an older hospitality venue. The existing space included a large bar area with back of house kitchen, rear service area & WCs. A large L shaped open plan seating area with a mix of clad columns, a myriad of ceiling & wall linings, built-in seating plus bulkheads concealing neighbouring tenants services and the like.
To make a start the space was stripped out and pared back - returned to a clean concrete palette leaving exposed concrete beams, ceilings & floors with expressed metal service ducts. Part of the front bar joinery was retained, kitchen removed from the front of house area and equipment replaced as needed to the rear.
As the large fluted columns were revealed in the main space they have become a grounding centre piece to the seating area. The concrete columns in their curved light grey finish offer a softness and sculptural quality.
The existing concrete floor included a diagonal patterned timber inlay with a coloured concrete finish in light brown tones. The surface was ground back to lighten and lift the finish. This proved very successful and the concrete floor with small exposed coloured aggregates takes on an almost terrazzo like feel.
A warm, raw and honest palette of materials was introduced. Natural elements such as walnut timbers, earth tiles and soft leathers, create a warm and inviting environment. Rather than artwork and other decorative elements we have allowed the display of wine as the hero piece.
One of the essential aspects of the space is the lighting design. Vanessa from Eos Creative provided a lighting design which is warm, understated and inviting, creating a cosy ambiance that encourages patrons to stay and enjoy.
Bespoke joinery items include the main bar counter with a terracotta vertical tile ‘Lungo” by Euroceramic washed with a soft lighting. A rear tile ‘TerraCrea” to rear bar. Walnut timbers feature throughout with their universally complimentary warm brown colour tones.
Joinery and wall panelling includes both timber veneer in American Walnut and a near identically matched Melamine Prime Tahoe to service areas and as a cost saving.
Furniture and placement is designed to create a series of tasting zones and experiences with long style leaners & stools for group tastings and lower tables for couples and longer stays. A portion to the rear can be curtained off to cater to private more intimate experiences.
The furniture is a combination of Simon James & Harrows table & chairs with custom made sofas and banquette seating. Seating curves and linen textures alongside soft leathers create a sense of comfort and ease. A timber lined charcuterie area with meat display and large antiqued timber butchers block add another layer of richness and texture to the space.
A sophisticated, relaxed spot to savour a wine tasting experience in the heart of the city.