Expanding their New York style bagel offering into South Melbourne, Huff Bagelry sought to establish themselves as an identifiable brand in the Melbourne market. Bringing brand to the forefront, an elevated design language and functional spatial planning rejuvenated the stores’ presence and catered to the unique personalities of Melbourne.
This vibrant new hospitality concept in South Melbourne marked the first branded roll-out for developer She Built. Set within a modern build behind a striking gothic revival façade, the design seamlessly blends heritage charm with contemporary flair. The space had to accommodate both bagel production and coffee craft while creating a dynamic connection from Bank Street to Clarendon Street. Designing the fit-out in tandem with the base build brought a unique coordination challenge, requiring agility and foresight. Key interventions included reworking the shopfront by replacing bi-fold doors with a bespoke coffee window, framed in cladding to engage the footpath and surrounding precinct. The result? A thoughtfully layered venue that feels both bold and timeless.
Huff Bagelry’s first rollout store captures the soul of its New York-inspired, family-run roots – where handwritten orders, brown paper bags, and ten signature bagels speak to its honest, handcrafted ethos. The design channels this spirit of “Craftsmanship,” creating a space that feels both familiar and elevated. Drawing from the brand’s existing charm, the interior design introduces refined materiality that nods to the surrounding heritage architecture and appeals to the local community’s discerning taste. A sculpted natural stone counter anchors the space, offering a tactile, artisanal welcome. Outside, a street-facing coffee window invites daily connection, encouraging the casual, warm interactions that define the Huff experience. It’s a space that feels as authentic as the bagels themselves.
This project reimagines brand storytelling through form, translating the curves of Huff’s cursive logo into a rich spatial language. Inspired by the humble bagel, materials are artfully “layered” like its fillings – timber, natural stone, textured glass, porcelain, and cork stacked to create depth and warmth. Traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary execution in the details: a bullnose stone edge, curved timber panelling and half-round dowels define the custom counter design, while bronze powder-coated accents elevate the joinery with a refined finish. Cork introduces a fresh, tactile contrast, subtly modernising the palette. Even the ceiling’s curved shadow line echoes the joinery’s form, creating a cohesive, crafted experience. Every element has been considered to embody innovation through restraint – where storytelling, materiality, and precision intersect.