Stratton Bar and Kitchen
– Location: Newstead, Brisbane
– Client: Newstead Hospitality Group
– Services Provided: Lighting design, lighting supply, lighting installation
– Completion Date: March 2022
– Environment: Hospitality & Leisure
Project Overview
Lightcore was engaged by Newstead Hospitality Group to help convert two WWII hangars in Newstead into one of Brisbane’s top food and drink spots. The owners needed an experienced lighting partner to work with their team to make informed decisions, test solutions, supply quality product and ensure proper installation. Basically they needed a professional lighting design and supply company who wasn’t afraid to get their hands dirty.
Design Vision
The lighting design was key to realising the Stratton’s vision. The primary goal was to highlight the space’s volume and architectural features, especially the grand archways and vertical ribs. The lighting had to be dynamic, easily controlled, and capable of setting different colours and moods, all while discreetly illuminating tables without excess glare. To achieve this, Lightcore avoided bulky pendants and obtrusive fixtures, opting for a minimal, layered lighting approach ideal for hospitality, restaurant, and bar environments. Lightcore’s hands-on approach included after-hours product testing to ensure the desired effects and results would achieved before installation.
The Lighting Solution
Lightcore developed and delivered a comprehensive lighting solution tailored to the Stratton’s specific needs, incorporating state-of-the-art lighting products and lighting control solutions:
- Glopro colour changing LED Neon: Highlighting the structural details of the archways while providing ambient illumination and colour-changing abilities that create dynamic effects.
- Dotfree strip lighting: Used to highlight the bar, backlight bar shelving, frame mirrors, and provide indirect ambient and journey map lighting through wall washing—an essential component of effective restaurant lighting.
- Restaurant track lighting: Featuring interchangeable beam angles, the track lights were tested and adjusted on-site to suit various areas and heights, ensuring targeted, low glare, functional lighting for dining and bar spaces—a key feature of high-quality bar lighting.
- Colour changing uplighting: Enhancing the verticality of the space and emphasising the architectural archways, with the added ability to change colours for dynamic effects that elevate the hospitality experience.
- Recess step lighting: To replace pre-existing recessed bunker lighting, a smaller LED bunker light was used with custom made plating to cover the original recess.
These carefully chosen solutions created a balanced, inviting and dynamic atmosphere that complements the venue’s aesthetic and functional requirements while showcasing Lightcore’s expertise in hospitality lighting, bar lighting, and restaurant lighting.
Products Used
- GLOPRO 1220 LED Neon: GLOPR-24-1220-RGBCCT-67, side bendable LED neon flex installed around archways illuminated towards the brick walls
- GLOPRO 1615 LED Neon: GLOPR-24-1615-RGBCCT-67, top bendable LED neon flex installed to the tops of archways illuminating upwards to highlight clear polycarbonate roof details.
- DOTFREE LED Strip Lighting: DFR-24-3000-20 with 1607-W-F profiles, ideal for highlighting bars, shelving, mirrors, and providing ambient wall washing.
- 20W Track Lighting: VEGA 20W track light with 15 degree and 36 degree beam angles to suit different heights and positions.
- RGBW Uplighting: Item #730449 Recessed RGBW uplighting enhancing vertical features and creating dynamic colour effects.
- Recess step lighting: ZAK recessed rectangular step/wall lights with custom backing plate.
Results and Impact
The result is a visually stunning venue that highlights its historical roots while embracing a modern, energetic vibe. The restaurant lighting design not only enhances the guest experience but also reinforces the Stratton’s unique identity. The Stratton is an excellent example of great hospitality lighting, restaurant lighting, and bar lighting.
Visit the Stratton
If you haven’t already experienced the Stratton Bar and Kitchen, it’s a must-visit. The combination of its historical charm and innovative design creates a venue like no other.
You can hear more about what others are saying about the Stratton Bar and Kitchen at the following links:
- Must Do Brisbane’s Review of the Stratton
- Broadsheet’s Review of the Stratton
- Concrete Playground’s Take on the Stratton
- The Weekend Edition’s Feature on the Stratton
- Brissie Life’s Article on the Stratton
- Delicious Review of the Stratton
- Secret Brisbane’s Take on the Stratton
- Urban List Brisbane’s Review of the Stratton
- Broadsheet’s Take on the Stratton
For more information, visit their website: Stratton Bar and Kitchen
For more details about this project or to learn about Lightcore’s other bar and restaurant transformations, please get in touch.
