Middletown Cafe

Located in Prahran, Middletown is the latest creative endeavour of restaurateur partners Randy Dhamanhuri and Valerie Fong. To create Middletown, Dhamahuri and Fong collaborated with interior architecture practice, Studio Tate and branding agency, Pop & Pac.

For the styling, the owners were inspired by Kate Middleton, or as she is officially known, Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge. They say that she personifies the values that the two wanted to adhere to in their cafe. “Middletown is a beautiful space that welcomes everyone through its doors,” says Dhamahuri and adds that the Duchess’s “humble nature and unpretentious beauty embody the design and personality of the café.”

The cafe’s beautiful, minimalist blue-and-white colour scheme provides a striking background for the terrazzo tiles and hints of marble and elegant details.

In the kitchen, head chef, Dilpreet ‘Gilly’ Singh, previously of Top Paddock, Kettle Black and Two Birds One Stone, orchestrates the creation of dishes that are based on high quality local produce for all to enjoy. 

Custom Lilac ALOE chairs by Billiani feature alongside custom Tassie oak timber and Carrara marble tables. BOLD table bases by Pedrali.

This is an Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) 2017 shortlisted project under the Hospitality category. Award-winners will be announced on 24 November 2017.

Design Nation is a proud sponsor of IDEA 2017.

Photographer: Peter Clarke