The Elford by Cross Design Group

The local pub or bar has always held a special place within the community. Far more than just a place to drink, they are also social spaces where neighbours meet, connections are made, spontaneous meetings are had and most importantly, everyone feels welcome. The 'local' is often at the heart of a neighbourhood and offers an important sense of belonging for many.

The historic Clarke’s building, located on Perth’s well-known Beaufort Street hospitality strip, has housed many such establishments over its almost 90-year history. From Moondyne Joes and the Cat & Fiddle through to the Candy Store Bar and most recently the Flying Scotsman, the landmark art deco building has an illustrious history and has always been a part of life in the inner-city suburb of Mount Lawley.

In late-2020, Perth’s Three Pound Group, also behind popular venues including The Stables, The Reveley and The Camfield, acquired the venue and embarked on a restoration of the space to ensure the much-loved venue would remain at the heart of the community. The new venture was named The Elford, after George H. Elford, who owned a wine saloon on Beaufort Street as early as 1909.

Working closely with Cross Design Group, Mobilia consulted on the furniture, decorative lighting and styling for the brand new establishment. “From the outset, the interior was carefully considered to respect the history of the building,” said Mobilia’s Salvatore Fazzari. “Moody, dark green tones that are reminiscent of an old pub are contrasted with the warmth of timber and hand-made extruded tiles from Italy.”

The Elford is a welcoming local bar that will see the Clarke’s Building continue as an important part of the Mount Lawley community.

Featured throughout The Elford is contemporary lighting by leading Spanish brands Marset and Santa & Cole. The Dipping Pendant is featured in a cluster suspended over the staircase for an intriguing focal point, while the striking Bohemia pendants and Estadio wall lamps, originally designed for the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona 1992, are featured in the dining area to add ambiance.

Celosia by world-renowned architect and designer Patricia Urquiola has been used for the face of the bar area and as a means to divide and add a layer of richness to the space. The hand-crafted three-dimensional bricks offer a new take on the artisanal production process typical of terracotta with the aim of retaining imperfect and tactile elements.

Cross Design Group’s architectural designer and project manager Dean Rowett said the furniture and lighting played an integral role in this substantial project. “We collaborated with Sam on almost every detail of the project, and he was extremely meticulous and gave every item the time it required to get it just right,” explained Dean. The pair have also recently completed Three Pound Group’s Good Company at the revitalised Karrinyup Shopping Centre in Perth’s northern suburbs.