The Penny Drop began as a little coffee pop-up in Box Hill, where hundreds of bleary-eyed commuters dropped by every morning to get their freshly prepared coffees. After seeing their customers’ enthusiasm for the brand and realising that there was a gap in the market for a vibrant all-day eatery in Box Hill, the penny metaphorically dropped for the owners.
The Penny Drop is now a permanent 100-seater restaurant sitting on the ground floor of the newly refurbished ATO building on Whitehorse Road. Designed by Golden (formerly known as We Are Huntly), the space effortlessly combines high ceilings and muted earthy tones to create a warm and inviting oasis – perfect for diners wanting to escape the daily Melbourne grind.
The Penny Drop plays on the concept of the ‘penny dropping’ from the pockets above. The design responds directly to the brand identity – from the floor plan to the joinery, textures and custom fittings, such as the copper disk pendant, which is deliberately tilted to appear paused in motion.
This stunning eatery offers a new perspective on food and coffee in Box Hill. Black LOAD ROPE bar stools and white ALOE chairs by Billiani feature alongside custom Tassie oak timber and marble tables. BOLD table bases by Pedrali.
Internationally recognised, The Penny Drop was announced the Winner of the Best Overall Restaurant and the Winner of Surface Interiors as part of the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards in the UK.
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: Brooke Holm
