STORE DESIGN: DELICIOUS DESIGN

Delicious design

Combination bottle shop, wine bar, and deli, Grana brings a taste of Europe to Brunswick East.

- By Caoimhe Hanrahan-Lawrence

Melbourne bottle shop and wine bar Grana has been recognised for its stunning interiors with a nomination for Best Retail Design in the 2023 Eat Drink Design Awards. The Eat Drink Design Awards recognise exemplary design in the hospitality space, and winners will be announced on 29 November. The nomination follows its recent redesign by design firm Ewart Leaf.

Owner Luke Skidmore, part of the team behind Tipo 00 and Osteria Illaria, explained the unique concept behind Grana.

“Grana is a taste of Europe in Australia. It’s a delicatessen, casual wine bar and bottle shop. We make our own cheeses inhouse, have a selection of ethical meats and cheeses/deli items and showcase a unique selection of wines from across the globe,” he said.

Wine is the star of the offering at Grana, with a particular focus on European wines.

“We’ve got a bit of an Italian concept, so people are always drawn to Italian wines. The venue has a European feel,” Skidmore explained.

However, there is still a significant selection of Australian wines, with Grana offering mixed packs such as the Local Legend six-pack stocked with wines from local Victorian boutique wineries.

“I do not know of anybody in the area with as extensive of a wine offering,” Skidmore added.

Skidmore’s journey in the hospitality industry began in Melbourne cafés, and he began to study wine while working in Scotland. At Grana, Skidmore finds that he is especially drawn to energetic and unique wines.

“We enjoy wines which have quite a lot of energy and vibrancy, which draws us to like biodynamics. We tend to find those wines are typically a lot more alive than wines that may see a lot of oak,” he said.

There is a small spirits selection alongside the wines, mainly consisting of amaro and vermouth, which complements the store’s European focus.

“There’s a lot from Italy, it’s a very traditional Italian aperitif,” said Skidmore.

As well as buying wines, Grana has a selection of wines by the glass that customers can enjoy in-store, along with a small selection of snack plates.

Grana is a taste of Europe in Australia. It’s a delicatessen, casual wine bar and bottle shop. We make our own cheeses inhouse, have a selection of ethical meats and cheeses/deli items and showcase a unique selection of wines from across the globe.

- Luke Skidmore, Owner, Grana

“The high shared table has been really well received as a glass of wine stop,” Skidmore noted.

The star of the deli offering is Whitlow’s Wheels, cheeses that are made and aged inhouse by chef Lucy Whitlow. These cheeses are aged in custom-built humidity and temperature-controlled fridges. Grana also offers a range of tinned fish, Ona filter coffee and pasta supplies.

Ewert Leaf Director Ana Calic spoke to the inspirations behind Grana’s design.

“Grana’s design draws inspiration from the local Brunswick community, with the tonal palette taking cues from the surrounding environment. Layered materials and tactile textures create an atmosphere that is both inviting and intriguing to visitors,” she said.

Customers are greeted with a handmade burnished steel door handle upon entry, and enter a store covered with tactile finishes, such as tiled counters, clad timber veneer fridges, and custom metal door handles.

“Each surface has been carefully selected to enhance the customer experience. Hand-drawn signage and decorative metal elements add a personal touch while also serving as practical signage,” said Calic.

“Additionally, the large façade window beautifully frames the activity within the space and creates a flexible display opportunity,” she added.

When asked about his favourite aspect of Grana’s interior, Skidmore found it difficult to choose.

“From the custom fridges that we use for different temperature and humidity control per fridge, to the butcher block bench, it’s a hard toss-up between the two,” he laughed.

The butcher block bench is a central part of the store and serves as a space to lead in-store wine tastings and cooking classes in the evenings.

“The multi-functional central communal table not only serves as a display for retail products but also as a working bench, retail counter, and wine tasting area. Additionally, it anchors the space and creates a natural flow of movement, directing patrons towards the custom designed fridges,” Calic described.

The store has proven popular, with a growing base of loyal customers.

“The customer base really enjoys it. I think it’s quite an unusual concept for Australians, though we grow organically and weekly, which is what we want,” Skidmore enthused.