The Elford

Opportunities like this don’t come around every day. The chance to breathe new life into an iconic Perth hospitality venue.

The Flying Scotsman, or the Scotto as it was known to many was located in a prime position in the Beaufort Street strip of trendy Mount Lawley, just outside Perth’s CBD. The building has been “the local” for residents of the surrounding area since establishment in 1934. Over the decades, it has been reimagined several times, becoming The Flying Scotsman in 1999 and building a dedicated and loyal following among Perth punters. When the pandemic hit, the Scotto closed its doors for the last time.

Enter The Three Pound Group.

The Three Pound Group operate several of Perth’s best hospitality venues in and around the Perth CBD including The Stables, The Globe, The Reveley and The Camfield. They could see the potential for location and secured the space to be transformed into what would becomeThe Elford.

Cross Design Group, responsible for the design of another of the groups venues, The Stables, were engaged for the interior design of The Elford and they have produced a stunning, contemporary design of open spaces, colours and textures that give the Elford a unique visual identity.

The dark and dingy ambience of the Scotto has been replaced with a light and airy feel, with pale timber tones offset against eucalypt greens. Timber slats in the ceiling give the space elegance and warmth whilst structural beams are dressed and painted in dark greys, framing and defining the space. Breeze block inlays to the bar and partition walls lend a touch of the industrial and r. Bifold doors line the bottom bar area, opening out onto a substantial undercover decking area providing an outdoor option to patrons.

Having experienced their work previously at The Camfield, Diverse Project Group were engaged to undertake the project including demolition, construction and fitout works. After initial surveys, it became clear that the building itself required significant structural remediation and repairs. Diverse Project Group were able to use their construction and hospitality fitout experience to overcome any challenges presented and provide practical solutions and advice, coordinating all trades and suppliers to deliver this stunning project on time and on budget.

The building was carefully reduced to what was essentially the exterior walls and original roof. The complete transformation required extensive remodelling to all areas, including practically rebuilding the entire upper level. Much of the original brickwork was in such bad repair that it had to be repointed or replaced.

A new kitchen was established downstairs which involved pouring a new concrete floor and installation of all associated plumbing and waste services.

All joinery, including bar areas was manufactured at Diverse Project Groups purpose built facility in Welshpool before being transported and installed on site. Loose furniture and lighting selection byMobilia.

The result is a stylish, contemporary hospitality venue that is certain to take its place amongst Perth’s best. Thanks to Tim and Saul from the Three Pound Group for the opportunity to be involved in this iconic project.