Gilt Brasserie, Auckland – New Zealand

Situated in the Chancery Chambers building, a listed Historic Place originally constructed in 1924, Gilt brasserie offers contemporary European-inspired fare.
Built on the original site of John Logan Campbell’s ‘Acacia’ cottage in central Auckland, the building, originally designed by T.C. Mullions and J. Sholto Smith, was constructed post-World War I in a Gothic Revival style. Overlooking Freyberg Place, the 8-story Chambers building housed the Auckland District Law Society from 1989 until it was purchased by Precinct Properties in 2022.
Knight Associates worked in collaboration with Josh and Helen Emett – their second project together after Onslow in 2020 – to create an up-market brasserie that would cater to both dining and bar patrons and strongly reference the character of the surrounding commercial district. The restaurant space required an ease that would provide comfort and respite for patrons throughout the day while also providing a lively evening environment for after-work drinks and dinners.
The 130-seat restaurant exhibits careful restoration of its heritage fabric paired with refined contemporary fittings and finishes. In concert with contractors Made By, a palette of artisan plaster, smoked Oak, tumbled Chambolle Limestone, aged brass, and tactile upholsteries presents a crafted backdrop to the Emett’s all-day eatery. Working closely with a guild of craftspeople, Knight Associates lead creative collaboration across the fitout: handmade furniture by Philbe, custom carpets by Christchurch-based artist Simon Ogden, bespoke light fittings with Eunice Taylor, and vintage furniture from restorers C.F Neary.
Melbourne-based Studio Round provided creative direction to help craft the Gilt brand and story. The brand identity, voice, signage, and printed matter conveying a sense of old-world dignity animated with a joie de vivre. Similarly, Salome Advisory provided careful curation of vibrant contemporary art works from Milli Jannides and site-specific work by Glenn Otto.