We all have to eat and drink. Yes, there are times when plain old dinner turns to degustation and, on occasion, libations might be merrier than a mocktail.
A particularly fabulous feast or a spot-hitting tipple will likely set tongues wagging – there’s no denying that word-of-mouth recommendations are absolutely irreplaceable.
But when a top-notch culinary experience is partnered with a thoughtfully designed destination, the act of heading out to wine and dine is simply irresistible.
Enter the Eat Drink Design Awards, an annual celebration of the most beautiful hospitality venues in Australia. Endorsed by the Australian Institute of Architects and the Design Institute of Australia, the glittering awards program spotlights restaurants, clubs, bars and bistros where it’s not just about what occupies plates and fills flutes, but also the carefully crafted environments that envelop the patrons.
News highlights
- The shortlist of the 2020 Eat Drink Design Awards (EDDA) has been announced.
- The awards program reveals the most exceptionally designed hospitality venues in Australia.
- Finalists have been selected in seven categories; a selection of shortlisted spaces are featured below.
- Winners will be announced on November 18.
This year’s designers have one foot in the past whilst firmly looking towards the future.
The announcement of this year’s finalists is welcome news. Like many businesses impacted by Coronavirus-imposed closures, hospitality establishments are under immense pressure to adapt. In short, a celebration with a side of normalcy is in order. “Perhaps it is no coincidence that in a time of such upheaval, we have seen designers create spaces that provide familiarity in their appearance and comfort in their feel,” says Cassie Hansen, EDDA jury member and editor of Architecture Media’s Artichoke publication. “Many designers appeared to be in search of an air of nostalgia for the interiors they create, with numerous venues showcasing a modern take on traditional spaces.”
EDDA finalists have been chosen by a panel of industry leaders from the hospitality and design sectors. This year’s jury members are Frank Camorra (restaurateur, Movida), Gemima Cody (restaurant critic and food writer, Good Food), Iva Foschia (founder, IF Architecture) Jonathan Richards (co-founder, Richards Stanisich) and Cassie Hansen (editor, Artichoke).
The 2020 shortlist corrals finalists within seven categories: Best Restaurant Design, Best Cafe Design, Best Bar Design, Best Hotel Design, Best Installation Design, Best Retail Design and Best Identity Design. The designers of one enduring venue will be inducted into the EDDA Hall of Fame.
A selection of shortlisted spaces are featured below. View the complete list of finalists here.
Winners will be announced on November 18.
