Shane Delia’s latest hospitality venture Jayda, designed by Studio Y, summons the intimacy and moodiness of a smoke-filled cocktail lounge from a bygone era – befitting of the Art Deco building that houses it.
Hidden behind the time-worn facade of Alkira House and tucked away down a laneway in Melbourne’s CBD, entering Jayda is like stepping into a jewel box for the senses.
Alkira House is an important example of bold Art Deco architectural detailing and was designed by James Wardrop (the architect of the Shrine of Remembrance) in 1937. One of Melbourne’s first buildings to be constructed using glass bricks, and considered avant-garde for its time, Alkira House features a striking glazed black terracotta tile and glass brick facade.
The more lived-in and informal sister to Maha, Delia’s menu for Jayda reflects its dimly lit interior and hedonistic attitude.
Image: Kristoffer Paulsen
With its heritage appeal and close proximity to his successful Middle Eastern fine dining restaurant, Maha, Delia has had his eyes on Alkira House since 2008. “When my offer was finally accepted earlier in 2022, I knew the time was right to make it happen,” said Delia, who worked with long-time collaborators Studio Y on the design.
Jayda shares the same familiar thread of sophistication that is present in all of Delia’s venues. “The key materials that are showcased throughout Jayda are the specialty distressed walls, black marble and black Japan-stained parquetry flooring. These materials are opulent without being too flashy,” said Studio Y director Yaron Kanor. “Combined with luxurious velvets and brass details, they all work harmoniously together beneath the warm glow of the lighting.”
Studio Y created a dark, ambient mood using 2200K light bulbs, so that the temperature is very warm like candlelight.
Image: Kristoffer Paulsen
Jayda comprises two distinct spaces separated by a narrow corridor and an archway: an emerald green curved bar and a sultry lounge area towards the back of the venue. Its jewel-toned interior includes orb-shaped wall sconces, fluted glass, vertical panelling, plush velvet upholstery and brass detailing, giving a nod to the building’s heritage and bold ornamentation without pastiche.
Delia’s brief to Studio Y was to create a space in which people could lose track of time. “We wanted to create a late-night venue that you could get lost in and lose hours in, just sitting there with a beautiful cocktail,” explained Tess Speldewinde, interior designer at Studio Y. “We created a dark, ambient mood through lighting, using 2200K light bulbs, so that the temperature is very warm like candlelight.”
Studio Y enlisted Melbourne-based paint specialists Scanlan and Makers to create a custom lime-based wall finish for Jayda: a golden hue inspired by tobacco-stained walls that carry the patina of time.
Its jewel-toned interior includes orb-shaped wall sconces, fluted glass, vertical panelling, plush velvet upholstery and brass detailing.
Image: Kristoffer Paulsen
The more lived-in and informal sister to Maha, Delia’s menu for Jayda reflects its dimly lit interior and hedonistic attitude. “My chefs put all the caramelized bits of lamb from the roasting trays that we can’t serve into leftover bread rolls after service and dipped them into the lamb jus. It’s so bloody tasty. We can’t serve them at Maha, but it’s a cracker of a thing for Jayda,” said Delia of his favourite dish: “the after-service sandwich”.
Like a hidden speakeasy, discovered by an after-hours crowd, Jayda by Studio Y evokes the aged-grandeur of Alkira House. Although inspired by the building’s Art Deco roots, Studio Y has created a contemporary identity for Jayda, which resonates as an elegant lounge bar – glowing with warmth, and backed-up by a seriously indulgent Middle Eastern-inspired menu and experimental cocktail offering.
