From little things big things grow. Congratulations to Smalls who have taken out the Best Bar Design Award at the 2015 Eat Drink Design Awards. The new South Melbourne wine bar was designed by Fiona Lynch. The Awards’ judges – Stuart Krelle (Luchetti Krelle), Karen Martini (chef/restaurateur), Pascale Gomes-McNabb (Pascale Gomes-McNabb Design), Stephen Todd (design editor, Australian Financial Review mag) and Cameron Bruhn (Architecture Media) – poetically noted that “rather than screaming its presence, it whispers in a husky Belgian accent of its European aesthetic roots.” I wrote about the Smalls’ space when it opened here.

Images: Dan Hocking

Cheers also to the High Commendation recipients for Best Bar Design below. Which place is your pick?

Maker by ME. Image: Toby Scott

Hennessy Lounge by Bates Smart. Image: Peter Barnes

Bond Lounge by Hachem. Image: Shania Shegedyn

Coppersmith Hotel by Hassell. Image: Dianna Snape

Heya Bar by Surroundings. Image: Shantanu Starick

Heart Attack and Vine Cafe by Nicky Adams & Perarchitects. Image: Lisa Cohen