Coogee Diggers

Project type: Hospitality
Project Size: 468M2
Project Completion Date: 2025

BRIEF:

Uncover and highlight the 1930s Art Deco roots of The Cornerhouse at Coogee Diggers, while layering the venue with the raw, industrial grit of Sydney’s Inner West.

EXPERIENCE:

We’ve reclaimed the old pub where sailors and soldiers once gathered, giving it a fresh, cheeky upgrade for its local patrons. Classic Art Deco features now share space with playful street art, tattoo-inspired illustrations, bold patterns, and tongue-in-cheek taxidermy.
The venue blends old and new materials, embodying the site’s rich history while being reborn as a modern, expressive space. Patrons have a choice of outdoor café dining, bar seating for convenience, or cosy social booths.
The café area is inspired by the warm functionality and vintage charm of New York delis, with a quaint coffee nook and a breakfast café. The Sports Bar takes inspiration from grungy Inner West pubs, complete with kitsch carpeting. The lounge brings a heritage ‘sailors and soldiers’ den feel, mixing traditional elements with industrial modernity.
It’s more than just a classic Art Deco corner pub – this is a venue where history, culture, and modern life collide.

 

“Pony designed our outstanding new ground-floor pub development, surpassing all expectations and completely reshaping our business. Since opening, it has attracted attention from Publicans and Club Directors across Sydney, eager to experience the space firsthand. The venue’s revenue has increased by 91% since its soft opening, and we expect further growth once our new café & restaurant kitchen is operational.

Pony brings an incredible blend of commercial and design insight, and I would highly recommend them.”

Peter Gallagher – CEO – Coogee Diggers

Project Partners:

CLIENT: COOGEE DIGGERS
PHOTOGRAPHER: LUCIA BRAHAM
BUILDER: GIRVAN GROUP
STYLIST: LUCIA BRAHAM
LIGHTING DESIGNER: CURIOUS LABS
JOINERY: PALOMA

Services:

INTERIOR DESIGN
• DESIGN STRATEGY & BRIEFING
• CONCEPT DESIGN
• DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
• FURNITURE SELECTION & MANAGEMENT
• TENDER & CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION
• DESIGN MANAGEMENT DURING CONSTRUCTION

 

STRATEGY
• RESEARCH AND DESIGN ANALYSIS
• BRIEF DEVELOPMENT
• STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
• CREATIVE DIRECTION