Loretta Restaurant 2014

Loretta, located directly beneath our studio, is the 'little sister' of Floriditas Cafe a few doors down Cuba Street. The space has had several guises since it was built around 1910, including as an arcade to a picture theatre and most recently as a commercial bakery with a small cafe fronting Cuba St. The space was stripped out to reveal elements of the original building and to make a connection through to Swan Lane at the rear. New elements have been inserted that contrast the existing textures and materials and complement the natural, earthy food and the Paul Melser earthenware. A variety of spatial qualities are achieved through dividing the long narrow space into different zones, with views filtered through steel screens creating a sense of intimacy in a space that can seat up to 120. Photographer – Jeff Brass Awards: URBIS magazine - Best Restaurant Interior 2014 INTERIOR Awards - Hospitality Category Winner - 2015 Eat, Drink, Design Awards Finalist - 2015 NZIA Local Award 2015