Macondo, Marrickville

For Macondo, Marrickville, I transformed a warehouse into a fine dining restaurant and club inspired by Mexican and Latin culture and the work of chef Elena Reygadas. Elena, passionate about breaking systemic patterns in culinary environments, is known for her advocacy for women in hospitality and her love of One Hundred Years of Solitude—a story of colonialism, cycles, and the fictional town of Macondo. The concept, centred on the word “pattern,” reflects Elena’s mission to challenge norms while celebrating Mexican and Latin traditions. I combined warm wood panelling, maximalist patterns, and furnishings by Mexican and Latino designers—both contemporary and antique.

Downstairs features a refined fine dining space with a stunning spiral staircase, a bar, and welcoming waiting area. Upstairs, a versatile club space, clad in rich wood panelling and illuminated by stained glass skylights and windows, creates a convivial, community-driven atmosphere. The result is a cosy yet sophisticated space for gathering and celebration.