A new vision and a complete makeover have changed the fortune of the Dublin Hotel, a former Irish-style pub on Moseley Square at Glenelg.

Now renamed The Moseley Bar and Kitchen, the hotel was bought around 18 months ago by a group of AFL football players in partnership with the RD Jones Group. Looking to re-invent the venue and encourage a broader range of clients, the group approached  Adelaide’s Abeo Design to help start a new chapter for the iconic hotel.

Furniture design was key to creating an inviting yet intimate space. Photo Nat Rogers/InDaily

The design team, led by Amanda Primett and Amanda Goehr, were commissioned to re-imagine, re-design and oversee the complete refurbishment of the “dark and dated” venue.

“The hotel was purpose-built in the 1990s and run as a convivial old-style drinking den,” says Primett. “There was a loyal group of locals who loved it. It was the kind of place where [guests at] wedding after-parties would end up dancing with their shoes off, but generally it was dark and under-utilised.”

The space is lit by strategically placed voids drawing natural light inside, accompanied by funky and eclectic lighting choices. Photo Nat Rogers/InDaily

The Abeo team, which was also responsible for the recent renovations of the Lion Hotel and Restaurant, Melbourne’s Crown Casino and UniSA’s Brookman Building, reconfigured the space to allow more light into the building and make it more appealing.

“The hotel was somewhat of a hidden gem,” says Goehr. “So the objective was to lighten it up and draw patrons into a light space that is relaxing and simple, reflecting the beachside environment while still being appealing to the long-time clientele.”

Long-standing clients and new faces are now enjoying the freshly refurbished venue. Photo Nat Rogers/InDaily

Individual environments have been created to suit all types of entertaining throughout the double-storey venue, with unique clusters of seating selected to suit the different moods and needs of patrons. Light wells, opaque glass and textured finishes of dry sandstone, rendered brick and white-washed timber panelling are used throughout the building, alongside the opulent marble, bright glazed tiles, polished copper and informal blonde timbers.

Custom-made timber light features in the bar area upstairs. Photo Nat Rogers/InDaily

Polished copper pendants and custom-designed beer tanks are found in the downstairs bar area. Photo Nat Rogers/InDaily

An eclectic mix of funky lighting hangs above custom-made dry bars (with thoughtfully designed handbag hooks “for the ladies”), illuminates the long Italian arabascato marble bars, and adds interest and atmosphere to seating clusters and feature walls.

Primett and Goehr say comfort for all types of patrons was a priority, which made furniture selection of paramount importance. A group of white cane hanging chairs provides a unique place to hang and swing; deep lounges sprawl in quiet corners; high stools with backs sit up at the dry bars; and upholstered banquettes have their backs to the walls of the dining area, while a selection of designer timber and spaghetti dining chairs are used randomly throughout.

Natural materials bring warmth and texture to the bright space. Photo Nat Rogers/InDaily

“The furniture was a huge consideration,” says Goehr. “We wanted to create separate areas that would accommodate four to 300 people, of any age, for any entertaining need.”

Locally sourced reclaimed shutters have found a new home as a decorative feature wall. Photo Nat Rogers/InDaily

Reminiscent of beach clubs in Bali and the Bahamas, the Moseley’s unique feature wall of recycled timber shutters is a show-stopper. “The Bahamas-inspired shutter wall came about after we sourced a massive collection of shutters locally in their original condition,” explains Primett.

Once a rabbit warren of entry ways, the new front facade invites patrons into a bright, spacious reception, bounded by window-front seating. The existing staircase was rejuvenated, giving guests easy access to the upper level with its wide outdoor terrace. From the balcony, patrons can sit overlooking Moseley Square’s massive date palms, the comings and goings of the trams, and Glenelg beach with its iconic jetty, while taking in the last of the sun before it sets over the horizon.

The interior of the upper level has been opened up to be easily transformed from a relaxed daytime venue into a clubbing destination at night.

A feature of the pub, the custom-built wood-fired pizza oven warms the rear of the upper level and the sprawling 11-metre marble bar makes room for everyone.

Glazed tiles, polished copper, blonde timber and cool marble are highlights. Photo Nat Rogers/InDaily

Behind each bar is a contortion of the most sumptuous shiny copper pipe work, leading to kegs of Carlton Craft Unpasteurised beer (which the hotel is the first Adelaide venue to offer).

“The design of the Moseley is a delicate combination of styles we like to call hipster meets Hamptons,” says Primett. “Although the venue has changed so much, we have still tipped our cap to the Moseley’s heritage, incorporating elements that hark back to its Irish roots.”

To be sure.

Raw and refined natural materials embrace a classic Glenelg feel. Photo Nat Rogers/InDaily