While James Street Market is the geographical heart of Fortitude Valley, Sol Natural Foods at The Mosaic building at the end of James Street, aspires to become it’s soul.
The 210 square metre tenancy has been divided into two separate businesses, a cafe/bakery and a pizzeria. They are approached from different entrances that are separated by a full height rope wall and tiled planter.
The two businesses share a common kitchen and the separate entrances gives the business flexibility to operate at extended hours. With 5.5 metre high slab to slab height and exposed services, the sense of height could easily have made the space feel cold, yet it retains a sense of warmth with the choice of raw finishes and a neutral palette. The openess of the dining area gives the space a flexibility. It is fully licensed which allows the space to operate into the night if needed and be able to cater for private and corporate functions after hours.
The industrial feel of the space was governed by the budget, the history of the area, and its relevance to the wholesome food that would be served. The finishes, from exposed concrete walls, polished concrete flooring, besser brick counter walls, and construction ply speak of the buildings origins, just as the name, Sol or ‘sun’ speaks of the origin of all energy needed to create the food we eat.
