A Historic Setting
Situated on Surry Hills’ renowned gourmet and retail strip, the Four Pillars Laboratory Gin Shop finds its home within a heritage-listed two-storey brick landmark. Erected in 1939 during the Great Depression for the Bussell Brothers tea company, the building has served various purposes over the years, blending retail, hospitality, and commercial ventures. Today, it stands as a testament to the neighborhood’s rich history, with the Gin Shop anchoring the north-western corner, while the entrance to Eileen’s Bar awaits discovery via a flight of ‘juniper berry blue’ stairs.
Sensory Engagement: The Gin Shop
Designed to tantalize the senses and showcase Four Pillars gin products, the Gin Shop beckons passersby with its striking black steel-framed glass facade. Inside, a warm ambiance prevails, courtesy of Australian hardwoods adorning custom-designed joinery. The centerpiece—a 3.3m high display crafted from Australian Red Cedar—presents a curated selection of spirits, complemented by Cambia Ash shelves showcasing intricate zebra-like grains. Innovative features, such as grooved timber blocks securing gin bottles and discreet compartments within the point of sale (POS), enhance the interactive experience, seamlessly transitioning the space into a cellar door for tasting sessions.
The Alchemy of Gin: Gin Lab
Ascending the ‘juniper berry blue’ staircase leads visitors to the Gin Lab, a haven for experimentation and mixology. Here, the art of distillation comes to life, with Eileen—a German-engineered Carl copper still—taking center stage. Charcoal Portuguese cork panels envelop the walls, offering both acoustic insulation and a tactile, earthy texture that sets the stage for immersive exploration. Custom-designed fibreglass pendants, reminiscent of the Four Pillars logo, illuminate the tasting bench, delineating the Lab from Eileen’s Bar.
Elevated Experiences: Eileen’s Bar
Eileen’s Bar, the crown jewel of the Four Pillars experience, invites guests on a journey of indulgence and conviviality. Accessed via a separate entrance adorned with subtle nods to the brand, the bar boasts an expansive V-shaped counter bathed in ‘juniper berry blue’ hues. Collaboratively designed with Behind Bars, the bar module seamlessly integrates Italian-crafted stainless-steel units, creating a focal point for libations and camaraderie. Comfortable banquette seating, adorned with rich tartan fabrics, invites patrons to linger and savor, while ‘Tinder Lane’ offers intimate settings for two amidst undulating timber tables.
In essence, the Four Pillars Laboratory Gin Shop transcends its historical roots to offer a contemporary yet immersive experience. Through meticulous design and thoughtful curation, YSG.STUDIO has crafted a space where heritage meets innovation, and where every sip tells a story of craftsmanship and passion.
Eleanor Russell
Lucas Rousseau
