ARGYLE JAPANESE BAR
& RESTAURANT
Commercial
Scope: Hospitality Interior & Kitchen Design
Photography: Studio CK
Argyle is a contemporary Japanese restaurant nestled in the heart of Elizabeth Quay, a dynamic waterfront enclave situated in Perth's central business district, Western Australia. This bustling precinct serves as a focal point for entertainment, dining, and recreational activities, attracting both locals and tourists alike. The landscaping throughout the area weaves a narrative that honours the profound relationship between the Swan River and the local Aboriginal communities.
It recounts a tale from the vicinity of the present-day Argyle Diamond Mine in the East Kimberley. Here, the colossal Barramundi known as Daiwul swam down Bow River during the Narrangarni or Dreamtime Creation Era. Pursuing Daiwul were three women, engaged in a unique form of fishing by pushing a spinifex wall downstream in a creek. Daiwul exhibited remarkable cunning, leaping over the fish trap they had set. As Daiwul soared over a hill, her underbelly grazed the hill, causing a distinctive crack to form, as depicted in the painting. The scales from her underbelly scattered across the landscape, transforming into diamonds of various hues, which still grace the region today. The women, now turned to stone, can still be seen standing near the waterhole, immortalized as enduring sentinels at a place known as Gawinyin or Cattle Creek Rockhole, situated south of the mine. This captivating narrative breathes life and meaning into the design of Argyle, serving as a vibrant tribute to the profound cultural heritage of the land.
The inception of Argyle Japanese Restaurant coincides with the closure of the internationally renowned Argyle Diamond mine in Western Australia. Argyle Japanese Restaurant embodies the essence of the Argyle pink diamond and Japanese cuisine, celebrating exceptional craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, refined aesthetics, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. It represents the beautiful fusion of two cultures, an ode to the unique and harmonious blend of heritage and culinary mastery.
The design of Argyle draws profound inspiration from the Dreamtime Story that narrates the origin of the Argyle Diamond Mine. We commissioned a captivating centerpiece at the entrance of Argyle, created by the talented artist April Nulgit. This captivating artwork serves as a visual storyteller, narrating a compelling tale that adds depth and meaning to the overall design.