Old Becomes New Quaint
Broadway composer Peter Allen once wrote that “Everything old is new again.” That has certainly turned out to be true in cities like Adelaide in Australia, where historic buildings are getting a second chapter as up-to-the-moment restaurants and bars.
Hibernia
Owners Zoi Kokoti and Stephen Lowery have transformed the venerable 113-year-old Magill Institute into a minimalist Scandinavian-style cafe. The large windows provide an abundance of natural light, adding an element of warmth that’s not usually found in this type of decor.
Kokoti presided over the transformation, which occurred over a mere 10 days. In keeping with the low-key vibe, the dining tables were recycled from another restaurant and much of the shelving was purchased from Kmart. Modern conveniences such as USB ports and WiFi access were added.
The Henry Austin
Iconic Adelaide restaurant Chesser Cellars closed four years ago, but has now reopened as The Henry Austin. Max Mason and Tess Footner, a duo with extensive hospitality experience, took advantage of a rent-free lease awarded by Renew Adelaide, a program created to stimulate development in unused local spaces.
The pair honored the classic ambiance of the original design with an old-school decor style that incorporates existing elements, such as a polished wooden staircase and a dumbwaiter. Mason paid respect to former owner Primo Caon by asking for his blessing prior to the reopening.
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