Bite-Size: A Short Interview with Hamish Goonetilleke
Beneath Driver Lane owner, Hamish Goonetilleke, joins us for an interview on his latest venue, Bar Torino.
Beneath Driver Lane, located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, recently celebrated its sixth birthday. The same laneway’s newest addition, Torino – another of Hamish’s venues – opened its doors for the first time, next door.
In this exclusive interview, we explore the concept, unique features, design elements, challenges and future aspirations of the new venue and how Hamish creates spaces that transport guests from their daily lives.
In The Interview
The Birth of Torino: Bar Torino, situated right next to Beneath Driver Lane, was a natural progression for Hamish, he says, who saw further potential in the romantic laneway setting. The concept revolves around the Italian aperitivo tradition, bringing a touch of Europe to Melbourne. The idea was to create a distinct contrast with a new ‘light’ brought by Torino, and create an immersive and complementary experience to Beneath Driver Lane’s ‘darkness’.
Unique Features and Experiences: Torino’s charm lies in its carefully curated features. Notable among them is an Italian water feature behind the bar, serving as the source for signature Spritz and Negroni drinks. Inspired by a research trip to Italy, the venue offers a selection of dishes from various regions, adding a touch of authenticity. With an all-Italian soundtrack playing on the upper level, Torino provides a unique, immersive atmosphere for patrons.
Design Palette and Differences: The design philosophy for Torino focuses on a calming green colour palette, punctuated with hints of brass and stained plywood, evoking a warm and organic European ambiance. The intentional contrast with Beneath Driver Lane’s darker tones adds depth to the overall experience, emphasising Hamish’s dedication to creating dichotomous atmospheres within close proximity.
Overcoming Challenges: Opening any venue comes with its set of challenges and Torino was no exception. Unforeseen structural issues during the build phase required additional work, but Hamish shares that the project remained within budget. Staffing was highlighted as another challenge, with the articulation that the initial team often doesn’t endure. Nevertheless, a focus on training, clear business goals and staff engagement remain pivotal to Hamish’s operation.
Future Outlook: Beneath Driver Lane, with six years under its belt, continues to evolve, emphasising live music and whiskey experiences. The introduction of a monthly whiskey Vault activation and a dedicated membership program showcases the commitment to leveraging a loyal customer base. Torino, being a new venture, remains agile, experimenting with offerings to find the its formula for success.
Curating Comfort: For Hamish, the minutiae matter, with a keen focus on lighting and sound to craft the perfect ambiance. His goal is to tweak the little things that count to eliminate discomfort that might prompt patrons to seek alternatives. Beyond this, there’s a deeper commitment to creating spaces where people feel truly comfortable, fostering meaningful connections and shared experiences in the space.
Summary
Torino and Beneath Driver Lane stand as testament to a meticulous approach to hospitality, where every element, from design to service, is carefully crafted to provide a memorable and emotionally resonant experience for patrons.
