There’s nothing quite like a whiskey bar – it conjures images of smoky rooms, timber-lined walls, leather furniture, and of course, damn fine whiskey. Sydney’s The Doss House fits this criteria (apart from the smoky air, which is probably best) and adds some more.
Design studio Buck and Simple is responsible for the interiors, which reference the building’s past as an opium den, gambling house, bootmaker and boarding house dating back to the 1840s in the historic precinct of The Rocks.
The bar has four underground rooms and two light-filled courtyards. Its design is rich in detail and layering. Existing sandstone has been exposed and preserved alongside original fireplaces and hardwood ceilings that speak of the maritime history of the site.
Selected walls have been lined with American oak joinery offering cabinets and shelving for objects, books and, of course, whiskey. Brass detailing, warm diffused lighting, textured rugs and leather furniture all add to the ambience. All aspects of the design have retained the integrity of the heritage-listed building, with no wall fixings and protective floor layers used.
The design team says their approach to The Doss House reflects: “a trend towards smaller venues with customers seeking a slower pace and unique experience. People are taking time to educate, experience and appreciate their surrounds more. With so much tradition steeped in both the making and the drinking of whisky, we let this timeless tradition and the building’s rich history pave the way for the evolution of the space.”
More on Buck and Simple
Next time I’m in Sydney…?
For sure!