Grease Monkey is a Canberra institution – famous for its burgers, beers, and Detroit style pizza (made in auto parts trays). The much loved Braddon eatery originally launched in 2015 in the premises of an old mechanic’s workshop, and since then has expanded to additional locations and a food truck. Lekkier was tasked with helping adapt the original Grease Monkey concept to its latest home at Westfield Woden.
Lekkier worked on this project collaboratively with RB:D Projects, Westfield management, and owner – hospitality industry legend Socrates Kochinos, to deliver an immersive space, bringing the celebrated Grease Monkey character to the buzzing Bradley Street dining precinct in Woden.
The design, influenced by the classic American diner aesthetic with a distinct working class Australian flavour features exposed trusses, recycled hardwood timber, oiled steel, and a healthy dose of Grease Monkey’s trademark cheek.
The customer experience is what makes Grease Monkey a special and authentic – and Bradley Street eatery builds on this success. The fitout and brand is a visual and sensory experience – everywhere you look are little details that make you smile, and touch points reminiscent of suburban childhood.
Familiar materials such as recycled fence palings, corrugated iron, planter boxes and garden furniture recall the simple joys of an Australian upbringing juxtaposed against grungy industrial and classic diner elements – neon lighting, industrial fixtures, heavy steel and bespoke pewter bar top.
The space was designed with a strong focus on kitchen output and integrated technology. A state-of-the-art ordering and POS system is integrated throughout service and kitchen spaces – connecting the front and back of house staff, as well as online food ordering platforms to create a seamless communication system throughout its operation.
It ain’t good if it ain’t greasy
Located in Braidwood in regional New South Wales, Mona Farm is a historic estate featuring restored heritage buildings, award-winning gardens, and one of the most significant contemporary art collections in regional New South Wales. The property dates back to Australia’s first European arrivals. Braidwood is a mix of impressive colonial buildings standing amongst an eclectic and busy township. Located within a three minute drive from Mona Farm, the town is home to over 14 cafes, a number of restaurants and shops, country pubs, and a golf course.
Since 2018, the owners of the property have sought to upgrade the original working farm through use of contemporary design while retaining the original character of the existing site. Stylish furnishings have brought a classic, contemporary edge to the historical farm house purposed for a luxury farm stay. The property houses six standalone buildings utilised for accomodation and a variety of functions.
The new Platform 818 Restaurant & Bar, located in the Mercure Hotel in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, was conceptually created and influenced by the history and heritage of its locality at 818 George Street. The design picks up on references from the historic railway lines directly below the hotel and features archways, distressed brickwork, metallic highlights, and accent lighting.
Lekkier delivered concept designs for the new restaurant, bar and buffet spaces resulting in layout plans, mood boarding, material and furniture schedules, and high quality 3D renderings. The project involved the construction of new in-fill suspended concrete slabs to significantly increase the restaurant floor area.
Located amongst some of Canberra’s most eclectic businesses of the iconic Sydney Building, the fitout for East Row Specialty Coffee embraces the history and style of this historic building. Playing on the original dominant arched facade in the Florentine style, Lekkier created a cafe fitout that pays homage to the building’s past and unique place in Canberra’s architectural history.
The Sydney building was designed by Australian architect Sir John Sulman in the early 1920s, and was part of his much acclaimed Florentine phase. His design was derived from Brunelleschi’s Foundling Hospital and the cloisters of the Church of San Lorenzo in Florence.
Our design inserted contemporary raw concrete benches and lighting fixtures that juxtapose against the heritage elements of the greater space. This gives the space a distinct industrial aesthetic whilst retaining its original warmth and charm.
Recycled Canberra red brick is a central feature of the cafe referencing the original fabric the Sydney building. The furniture specified for the space was chosen to reflect European cafe culture – where Canberra can trace its own rich modern day cafe culture back to.
Canberra’s ANU Union Bar, located on the Australian National University city campus, has a legendary status with Australian National University Alumni and the Canberra community at large. The small bar is famous for having hosting some of the biggest acts in the world – Nirvana, the Hunters and Collectors, The Church, Tool, Lou Reed, Faith No More, Beastie Boys, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, and Frenzal Rhomb.
The ANU Union Bar was front and centre of the Canberra touring music scene during the 1980’s and 1990’s which was a prolific time in Australian touring history for international and Australian touring artists.