In a neighbourhood setting behind Lygon Street in Carlton, The Town Mouse wine bar could have come from any place in time.
We deliberately eschewed fable references by taking a less literal approach. We drew a custom typeface inspired by buildings from the town grid, set at a jaunty angle to allude to the bar's party atmosphere. Gilt signage, with its painterly highlights, hark back to a bygone era.
We playfully described how a patron might be feeling when they came to the restaurant and perused the menu.
Other details included a cheekily written mosaic doorstep, a handcrafted menu sign suspended from the ceiling, and glow-in-the-dark business cards hint to the late night party vibes.
The much loved and awarded bar closed its doors in early 2018 — ending on a high note, the Mouse was awarded a Melbourne Good Food Guide Chef's Hat — but lives on in the hearts of many as a favourite.
Design by Suzy Tuxen and Cassie Brock. Gilt signage by Gold Reverre. Menu frame created in collaboration with Ryan Ward of United Measures. Partial photography by Sarah Anderson.
