Industry Beans and Howler Take Out International Design Awards in London

It's official: Melbourne hospo snobbery is totally justified. Fitzroy favourite Industry Beans and Brunswick bar Howler have taken out top awards at the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards in London this week. The former took out the gong for Best UK & International Cafe and the latter has been called the prettiest bar space in Australia and the Pacific. Score.

Praised for its clever industrial fitout and overall good vibes, Industry Beans beat seven other shortlisted cafes to take home the award. And here's the kicker: it wasn't even the only local cafe in the running. Up against competition from cafes in Germany, China, Greece and the UK, the good lookin' roasters pipped Richmond's Top Paddock at the post.

Architect Matt Rawlins told Good Food the design was inspired by Melbourne's laneway culture. And, with its high ceilings and industrial warehouse feel, this is a concept which has been executed well. Like many local cafes, it also utilises an open plan design to make the entire process of roasting visible to everyone throughout the space. Look how ridiculously good looking it is, just look at it!

Howler sat alongside some stunning venues in the International category too. With its dynamic use of space and gorgeous raw timber panelling, the Brunswick bar and performance space was ruled as the best design in the Pacific region. Looking over the other winners, the award seems extra special as a rare win for bars which also operate as live music venues.

Maybe it's time to ditch that scungy dive bar you frequent and step things up a notch?

Via Good Food.