Perth — 2009

Sante

Tapas Restaurant and Wine Bar

Back to commercial and leisure

This project transformed a redundant shop unit in a prime town-centre location into a vibrant tapas restaurant and wine bar for a well-established local restaurateur. The aim was to create a distinctive dining experience that combined contemporary design with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

This project transformed a redundant shop unit in a prime town-centre location into a vibrant tapas restaurant and wine bar for a well-established local restaurateur. The aim was to create a distinctive dining experience that combined contemporary design with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Bringing Two Buildings Together

The premises occupied two very different buildings: a grand red sandstone property fronting South St John’s Place and a smaller cottage-style building on Flesher’s Vennel.

The restaurant was organised around a striking hand-crafted zinc bar, which forms the focal point of the main dining space.

The shopfront was opened up with sliding folding doors, strengthening the connection between the restaurant and the street.

A first-floor function room was created and served by a dumb waiter, providing additional flexibility for private events.

Bringing Two Buildings Together

The premises occupied two very different buildings: a grand red sandstone property fronting South St John’s Place and a smaller cottage-style building on Flesher’s Vennel.

The restaurant was organised around a striking hand-crafted zinc bar, which forms the focal point of the main dining space.

The shopfront was opened up with sliding folding doors, strengthening the connection between the restaurant and the street.

A first-floor function room was created and served by a dumb waiter, providing additional flexibility for private events.

Light and Atmosphere

A new rooflight above the central bar introduces natural daylight deep into the interior, enhancing the sense of openness within the plan.

Service spaces, including the kitchen, toilets and fire escape stair, were accommodated within the smaller building, allowing the restaurant to occupy the best space.

Existing brickwork was exposed where possible, adding texture and character to the interior.

A warm palette of natural materials and colours created a contemporary yet inviting environment.

Outcome

Sante successfully transformed an underused retail unit into a lively restaurant destination, combining the character of two historic buildings with a modern dining experience. The careful use of natural light, materials and the craftsmanship of strong central focal point created a memorable interior that supported the success of the business and contributed positively to Perth’s town-centre hospitality offering.