The concept of the Castlereagh store brings together the prosperity of the Australian gold rush era with the diverse culture of Africa, creating a remarkable dining experience that is both elevated and familiar.
The bar area boasts a black colour palette that nods to the richness of Africa and its cultural heritage. The use of high-end materials like marble, gold, velvet, and leather complements the contemporary sophistication and innovation that the restaurant is known for.
The team is currently working on developing South African sculptures with gold accents, which will eventually be brought to Australia and displayed in the restaurant. The source of the gold inspiration is the Golden Rhinoceros of Mapungubwe, a magnificent wooden sculpture covered in thin sheets of gold that was created in the medieval Kingdom of Mapungubwe in South Africa. This symbol represents the combination of physical power and wealth that is embodied in the region.
Gold fever
With the discovery of gold in New South Wales in 1851 the trajectory of Australian history was forever changed. Australia became a melting pot of fortune seekers from the four corners of the earth risking it all for the lure of prosperity that the goldfields promised.
Eureka!
The gold rush became the catalyst for the industrialisation of Australia, with road, rail and telegraph being developed. Australia was catapulted into modernisation, becoming one of the wealthiest societies in the world.
At night the goldfields came alive with the twinkle of a thousand campfires, talking and yelling, distant sounds of pistols firing and the deafening sound of instruments playing.