The Saratoga nightclub fitout is a complete reworking of an existing underground bar in Melbourne’s South Yarra district. The treatment is lush, employing deep purples and reds with gold highlights throughout the expanded space. The existing main bar has been reclad with a backlit purple Marblo top and vinyl padding front. Behind the bar, the drink display features gold-trimmed shelving units mounted on a black mirror backing.
A smaller bar is located in an opposite corner, expanding service and capacity and providing intimacy. The gold laminate bar sits on red carpet and is surrounded by handmade dimpled tiles and bronzed mirror wall cladding. New chocolate banquette seating has been installed throughout the club in the lounge and booth areas.
The glitz continues, somewhat deliberate and cheesy, with platinum mosaic tiles and gold doors to the unisex bathrooms, the large sunset poster wall, gold ornate mirrors, and other lush tactics all set to swirl deliciously around the central DJ booth. Whilst undeniably tilting its felt hat to the seventies, Saratoga has been reborn for the new millennium to entertain the masses.
Project Team: Grant Amon, Beth Courtney
Builder: Marcan P/L
Published: Monument Issue No. 47 April / May 2002
Photos: Richard Briglia & Trevor Mein
