Inspired by the surrounding Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Bird in Hand restaurant is an experiential cocoon, artfully crafted by Georgie Shepherd Interior Design to evoke the building's heritage, the brand, and the community that loves this space.
Bird in Hand by Georgie Shepherd Interior Design
Georgie Shepherd Interior Design was brought into the design after working on the LVN Restaurant in Adelaide Hills within the Bird in Hand winery. Owned by Andrew and Susie Nugent, Bird in Hand’s winery and their old homestead are enveloped within extensive gardens designed by Susie, a garden designer. This commitment to the estate led the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens to welcome the South Australian brand into their well-loved establishment at the heart of the gardens.
Bird in Hand by Georgie Shepherd Interior Design. Artwork: Le Voyage de Noces by Aicha Khorchid.
Georgie Shepherd shares that the Hobart community was at the forefront of their design planning: a place to gather and have lunch overlooking the gardens, pick up a picnic and bottle of wine, or enjoy fine dining and wine fleet — everyone was welcomed in the design brief. “The idea was it should feel beautiful, warm, and inviting … seamlessly connected to the experience and the view,” the designer adds. “But as you sit there and as you spend more time in the space, you’ll see these different layers that we’ve created.”
Fundamentally, the design opens to the gardens through white steel windows that invite inside-outside connection even on a dreary day. “The garden is part of the interior… It’s breathtaking every time you’re there because you’re up high and can see all the way down to the water,” says Georgie.
Bird in Hand restaurant is inspired by the surrounding Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.
From there, a collaboration unfolds between Tasmanian and South Australian makers and specialist trades. They used Hobart builder CDC Developments, and Georgie brought her joiners, Studio 146, in from Adelaide for the intricate work that evokes the same bespoke sensibility as the LVN Restaurant. On the balcony overlooking the gardens, custom furniture by local designer Matthew Prince evokes the heritage feel of the building. “We could talk to Matthew about what’s the best materiality for the weather. We want it to age nicely, so it’s important to have a local connection,” adds Georgie.
Bird in Hand by Georgie Shepherd Interior Design. Artwork: Leila Jeffreys.
Internally, Matthew Prince tables are paired with chairs by Adelaide designers Remington Matters, and bespoke curtains by a local artisan made in Hobart. In another nod to the Adelaide restaurant, Georgie used the same marble for the monolithic bar that defines the space and offers an important perch for wine tastings.
To recognise the heritage and history of the building, the design team restored the original fireplace and heritage brick work and added back in timber beams that Susie found in an old photograph — mirroring the ones in the LVN Restaurant, but making the space distinctly its own.
Bird in Hand by Georgie Shepherd Interior Design
Throughout, art adds to the Bird in Hand narrative. Le Voyage de Noces by Pakistani-born, Mallorca-based artist Aicha Khorchid defines the entry and introduces the evocative colour palette. Bird photography by Leila Jeffreys and Gary Heery flanks the new fireplace in the main dining room, while the emotional portrait Wik Elder, Arthur by Tasmanian artist Ricky Maynard introduces a local First Nations element. As Susie and Andrew are art collectors, Georgie notes the display will be ever-evolving.
Bird in Hand by Georgie Shepherd Interior Design
The changing light, landscape and seasons of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens are embedded in the design of the Bird in Hand restaurant. Joined by warm timber, natural stone, and soft linens, Georgie Shepard Interior Design has created a layered interior of relationships across states and a new story for the community.
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