Homepage Paul Kelly Design newsroom

The Bourbon to Reopen in Sydney’s Kings Cross

Announcement posted by Paul Kelly Design 08 Feb 2013

For Immediate Release
Paul Kelly Design announces that the Bourbon, Sydney’s Kings Cross institution dating back to 1967, will be reopening in January 2013 after a major renovation and overhaul. Rather than turning it into a trendy hotel that fails to grasp the character of the neighborhood, the designer has relied on the inspiration of Kings Cross’ inimitable character for the changes and upgrades to the locale.

When the alcohol will once again flow freely, it will be inside a venue that fits hand in glove with the atmosphere of a neighborhood that embraces a New Orleans vibe. Kings Cross is a part of the changing bohemian backdrop that is defined differently by each generation. Unable to be all things to all men, it nevertheless holds a few idiosyncrasies that endear it to virtually any visitor and local. At a time when Art Deco once again reigns supreme, it caters to an upscale clientele that differs considerably from the Vietnam War soldiers it attracted in times past.

It is fair to say that the ever-changing nature of Kings Cross was actually the undoing of the venue in the first place. When it changed hands in 2005, new owners recreated a 1980s paradise with chrome and glass. The new design did little to entice red light district patrons and Injecting Room clientele to give it a try. Adding insult to injury, the Bourbon had become a locale that had left the soul of Kings Cross untouched. There was no nod to the area’s bohemian vibe, unconventional lifestyle or avant-garde shops. When the locale promptly closed after less than two years, locals felt vindicated.

Now the venue is scheduled to open again. The interior design is true to the gentrification that has marked Kings Cross’ changing vibe. It is also true to the raucous history associated with the locale. In short, this time around the experts at Paul Kelly Design have taken the dilapidated building and returned it to its former glory albeit with plenty of upgrades inspired directly by Kings Cross itself. Reinstating the design of the old Bourbon and Beefsteak - as it used to be known - is a stroke of genius that local restaurant owners have been anticipating for the better part of a year now. With the opening date right around the corner, they will see that their patience is rewarded.

About Paul Kelly Design
Paul Kelly is an expert commercial stylist who specializes in hospitality interiors. Eschewing the cookie-cutter approach that chain venues favour, his innovative designs result in the creation of iconic locales that draw heavily from the unique characters of their settings. Contact Paul Kelly Design at +61 2 9660 8299 or for more about The Bourbon visit the website at http://paulkellydesign.com.au/portfolio/bourbon-and-beefsteak.