In 2002 James St Brisbane Fortitude valley was an industrial area. Blueprint architects were able to share the early vision of the James St developers, to re-imagine the street as a retail and tourist area. It is now the high street of Brisbane with the added Calile Hotel precinct. Blueprint has designed, and co-owned Cru bar and cellar for over 2 decades. Cru has become a hospitality institution as one of the longest operating and popular venues in Brisbane.
The concept of combining a bottle shop, bar, and a food offering within a connected open environment would see Cru blur the previous hard lines of hospitality boundaries. The interiors are designed to be relaxed, reminiscent and moody like a cellar with a touch of French detail. Cru is a place patronised by people of all ages, popular day and night, seven days a week. In 2024 Cru was expanded undergoing a full refurbishment ensuring the quintessential elements remained or reimagined and yet familiar.
Cru Bar & Cellar
Features &
Favourite Design Parti
Perched above the street with the entire streetscape elevation with openable windows encourages, people watching, enjoyment of our sub-tropical climate, sitting right on the edge of inside and outside, and the long thin patron areas always provide the impression of being occupied.
The huge 5m high curtains to protect the wine and customers from afternoon sun, the French crystal baccarat antique chandelier as a jewel in the centre of the bar. The now glowing “champagne” coloured onyx stone bar and elements light up the venue with a warm and ever enticing glow to the public as they enter James Street
Parti: The colours in the onyx, are the colours in the fit out and and the champagne effects in the natural stone mimic the ‘bubbles’ being served.
entire streetscape elevation
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huge 5m high curtains
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French crystal baccarat antique chandelier
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entire streetscape elevation • huge 5m high curtains • French crystal baccarat antique chandelier •
2 Decades of Blueprint
The Archive
