Cronulla rotisserie and bar, CC BABCOQ has won a major global industry award in London.
The Sutherland Shire restaurant is the winner of the international standalone category at the 2019 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards, which were held on October 3.
It recognised the best food and beverage design spaces.
Now in its 11th year and with entries from more than 70 countries worldwide, the competition covers every imaginable arena - from ships to airports, museums to burger vans, and revered Michelin-starred establishments to dynamic pop-ups.
Competing against some of the best bars and restaurants from around the world, the use of colour and personality injected throughout the Cronulla eatery made it a clear standout for the judges - industry leading figures who work across design, architecture, hospitality and lifestyle media.
The interiors were designed in 2018 by Tom Mark Henry, giving CC BABCOQ a sassy, fun and playful vibe fused with coastal influences in an ode to the Cronulla beachside locale.
The name CC BABCOQ is adapted from The Nanny character CC Babcock and the design team had fun abstracting her character and used this as inspiration throughout the interiors.
Tom Mark Henry collaborated with mural artist Lymesmith to create 'Rockpool', the standout four metre high feature wall within the venue that injects colour and pattern, stimulating the interests of diners and passer-bys. The mural has since become the ideal backdrop for good times and photos for its customers.
One of the most striking features within the bar is the curved green terrazzo bar, which serves up its famed cocktails.
CC BABCOQ is owned by brothers Harry and Mario Kapoulas, who launched their business in November 2018.
They are a driving force in the Cronulla foodie scene with Greek inspired café HAM and Rushi, a Japanese influenced café located within bike store Chain Reaction.
Their cousin who is studying interior design in Milan accepted the award in the UK on their behalf.
"It's a huge award," Mario said. "Harry has a particularly good eye for design and we've worked with good people.
"Being located within such an iconic Cronulla building Banc, we always wanted to create a venue that was fun, modern and playful for locals to enjoy quality yet simple food and drinks.
"The team at Tom Mark Henry and Lymesmith completely understood our style and we couldn't be happier with the finished result."
Harry say an award like this puts them on the map.
"We're not blowing our own trumpet but it's nice to do it from Cronulla. We love being here," he said.
"This award is a huge achievement and helps highlight the ever-evolving Cronulla food scene which we love being a part of. It's probably the most prestigious award you can get. It will do a lot for us, and bring people into the shire.
"We've spent a lot of time and effort on our design. We've made it more casual, family-orientated and with a cocktail bar."
Cushla McFadden of Tom Mark Henry says the project was packed with personality and colour.
"We used curves in the shape of the counter, soft edges on seating and design details such as terrazzo floor inlays to reference the art deco building the site is located in. High quality, yet fun and durable materiality was employed, in particular, the stand out feature being the green terrazzo bar."
As for what's on the menu while seated in this now award-winning backdrop, its cheers to the most popular cocktails, the vodka-based Donald Duck with lychee, lemon and grape, and the watermelon sour.
Dish-wise, there's no going past the chicken with signature made-in-house smoky barbecue sauces, and crinkle cut chips with chicken salt.
The opportunity to win more accolades keeps churning. CC BABCOQ is also a finalist in the Best Awards NZ in the 'Spatial' Category, to be announced on October 4. They have also been nominated for 'Best Restaurant' in the 2019 Eat Drink Design Awards to be announced on November 12.
Next up the boys are launching goodcatering.com.au, a fresh, easy and delicious approach to catering in the shire.
"We always get asked to do catering, so this will combine our kitchen," Harry said. "There will be ham, sushi, grazing and cheese plates, antipasto, fruit salad, chicken."
- The restaurant on Cronulla Street is also hosting a Melbourne Cup lunch at midday on November 5. Three courses for $69 with Bellini or tap beer on arrival. Sweeps and best dress competition. Bookings are essential. Details: 0420 955 844.