Smalls Bar in South Melbourne by Fiona Lynch

Smalls, true to it’s name, is an intimate wine bar designed by Fiona Lynch, nestled in a South Melbourne laneway (next to the famous St Ali). The client brief called for a space that was intimate and reflected on the boutique nature of the small producer wines served in the establishment. There is so much to love about this little jewel of a space. What the interior lacks in size, it more than makes up for in visual interest, tactility, warmth and supreme attention to detail.

The team at Fiona Lynch collaborated with local Melbourne makers to create the bespoke ceramic bar. Local leather makers were engaged to create the leather panelling that clads the wall behind the bar – a personal favourite. The steel shelving in deep burgundy (or dare I say, red wine colour) with delicious accents of two different marbles, brass and ceramic tiles is just too beautiful for words. The whole effect is nonchalant, effortless and kind of “thrown together” (I guess the fashion equivalent would be the “just rolled out of bed look”), although I have no doubt that a bucket load of thinking had gone into it. Because effortless = a lot of effort and know-how. Period.

Special attention has also been paid to the lighting. The stunning linear number in black metal with glass balls hanging over the bar, the full height wall light in bent brass next to the entry, small gold wall lights dotted above the tables, and suspended ceramic and leather lights near the windows – they make for an eclectic and an unlikely mix that ads to the warmth and tactility of Smalls.

Next time I’m in Melbourne, I know where I’ll be heading for a vino. Hope they save me a seat!

Smalls Bar
20 Yarra Place, South Melbourne

See more projects by Fiona Lynch on Yellowtrace.