Crafty Dining in Redfern in October 2018 showcased the rich variety of contemporary design, vintage furniture, textiles and dining options available in Redfern, as part of Good Food Month and Sydney Craft Week .
Seasonal Concepts opened its doors in 2009 and is the collaboration of Ken Wallis and his partner TR Keller. Wallis and Keller initially wanted to create a florist unlike any other in Sydney. “We wanted to marry fresh in-season flowers with the contents of Grandma’s kitchen and Grandpa’s shed and present it with all the wonder that I experienced as a kid in the country,” says Ken.
The shop has a history as rich as its contents, originally a two-story Georgian style house built in 1856, some of the house’s original features are still evident as you enter the shop from Redfern Street. In 1926 the backyard of the house was enclosed by an engineer and used as his workshop until the 1970s.
“Delight the Eye Cheer the Heart” – is the motto of Ken Wallis and his crew. The shop is an emporium filled with an eclectic collection of pre-1950s treasures including furniture, collectables, decorative items and gifts – bought to life with an array of fresh in-season flowers. Seasonal Concepts sources and sells pre-1950s furniture, decorative objects and giftware with an Australian bent.
Knowledgeable Ken always has a yarn or two to tell. His natural curiosities include: Marine, Botanical, Geological and Taxidermy – all of which are ethically sourced. Seasonal Concepts source unique pieces for clients from all over Australia. The space is also available for hire for special events and has an in-house florist.
At home in Redfern, this chic eatery has all right elements to create the perfect dining experience. Isaac serves up delicious Italian inspired dishes such as whole Snapper Aqua Pazza with clams, fennel and tomato to homemade pasta with lamb ragu and pecorino.
The interior feels very luxe with smashed black and white marble flooring, dark timber bistro chairs, a concrete bar and white paneled walls creating an intimate, contemporary Mediterranean vibe.
Charles Casben is co-owner / operator of Moya's Juniper Lounge with his sister Jess. He has a twinkle in his eye as he asks you what you fancy from the impressive cocktail list.
Situated at the gateway to Redfern from the city on Regent Street, with traffic streaming past at all times of the day, the bar is not immediately obvious from the outside. Just look for the window full of plants, bottles and unusual lights to find this hidden gin palace.
There are worn mid-century lounges, rugs lining the floor and an impressive line-up of bottles behind the beautiful wooden bar.
Moya's is influenced by the 200-year span from when gin appeared on the scene in England, to when American cocktails made their way to London. Each cocktail has its own page with exact ingredient measurements, historical tales, personal notes from the Casbens and footnotes about each cocktail’s origin. All but one (a simple Americano) are gin based.
Many use local distillers, such as Poor Tom’s, Archie Rose, Applewood, Four Pillars or Hippocampus. Beers are almost exclusively NSW craft brews, and the wine list is impressively varied.
Crafty Dining Menu
Isaac
Antipasto platter of Arancini, Salami, Caponata, Burrata, Octopus Confit, Olives and Grissini
Moya's Juniper Lounge
Choose from either an Americano or Negroni to wet your whistle!
