A bolt of design and hospitality synergy enlivens a 19th-century former power station in central Melbourne. With its 15-metre ceiling, Higher Ground, an all-day dining destination, soars to lofty heights with tiered levels wrapping around the perimeter of the original brick building to deliver a multitude of spaces to drink, dine, lounge and work in, akin to a hotel lobby.
Commissioned by the team behind the city’s successful Top Paddock and The Kettle Black cafés, Melbourne-based DesignOffice invigorate the cavernous space with planes of geometric abstraction. Deep ocean blue steel walls and staircases abut the soaring concrete columns whilst a solid stone bar and raised platforms supporting communal and individual dining settings on the ground floor anchor the site.
Subtle marine colours (from softly upholstered seaweed green banquette-like couches and teal blue stools to eel grey and pale coral pink sofas) together with solid timber table and bench tops usher a clean yet warm Scandinavian appeal. Natural light flooding in via skylights and enormous arched windows together with bursts of potted greenery add the final sheen.
The Nordic theme carries through to chef Nate Wilkins' menu via a stopover in Japan. Foraged ingredients and textural trimmings including seeds and grains plus exotic elements feature prominently. Semolina porridge with preserved summer cherries, dried plums, shiso and sesame entices the brunch crowd whilst roasted wild mushrooms on soft polenta with pecorino and hazelnuts satisfies at night.
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
650 Little Bourke Street
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Milan Fashion Week Men’s A/W 2025 highlights: Dolce & Gabbana to Emporio ArmaniDespite a reduced schedule, Milan Fashion Week Men’s arrives this weekend with plenty of intrigue, beginning with high-wattage shows from Dolce & Gabbana and Emporio Armani. Wallpaper* fashion features editor Jack Moss reports from Milan
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Rio Kobayashi’s new furniture bridges eras, shown alongside Fritz Rauh’s midcentury paintings at Blunk SpaceFurniture designer Rio Kobayashi unveils a new series, informed by the paintings of midcentury artist Fritz Rauh, at California’s Blunk Space
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New York restaurant Locanda Verde’s second outpost will transport you to a different time and placeLocanda Verde’s expansive new Hudson Yards osteria exudes a sophisticated yet intimate atmosphere overflowing with art treasures
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2025 getaways: where Wallpaper* editors will be travelling to this yearFrom the Japanese art islands of Naoshima and Teshima to the Malaysian tropical paradise of Langkawi, here’s where Wallpaper* editors plan to travel to in 2025
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The world’s most enticing new hotel openingsExplore the best new hotels in the world, from luxe new suites at Badrutt’s Palace to the long-awaited Zaha Hadid-designed Romeo Roma
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Australian surf culture merges with the charm of the Mediterranean at Il DelfinoIl Delfino, designed by Sheree Commerford, is a restored 1940s seaside inn nestled on the Yamba coastline in Australia
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Layover in style at Melbourne Airport’s new hotelIbis Styles Melbourne Airport hotel by FK brings together elegant rooms, co-working lounges and leisure facilities in a striking aircraft wing-inspired design
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Australian heritage meets European grandeur at Copperstone, a New South Wales retreatCopperstone is New South Wales’ answer to the European country estate, and includes a five-bedroom retreat, set in 48 acres
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Tap into local creativity at The StandardX, MelbourneThe StandardX, Melbourne is the first hotel in The Standard Group's new breed of ‘younger and rebellious’ properties
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Basq House is the eclectic-cool stay to know in Byron BayDesigned by StudioFAB and Léo Terrando, Basq House reverberates with the Australian town’s laid-back beach culture and artistic spirit
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Discover Beau Sydney, an intimate two-part restaurant enlivening the city’s lanewaysBeau Sydney dishes up contemporary Australian cuisine, from baked goods to regional wines, amid elegant interiors by Smart Design Studio
