The Bold Revival of Gowings

Designed by Toben

Located in the historic Gowings department store, Gowings Bar and Grill is steeped in history and timeless charm. Its revamped identity firmly places the venue back in the spotlight, paying homage to its rich heritage in a bold and unexpected way.

In its earlier days, Gowings featured a traditional “bar and grill” vibe, appealing largely to Sydney’s inner-city professionals, such as bankers and businessmen. The goal of the redesign was to transform Gowings into a “must-visit” culinary destination, broadening its reach and engaging a more diverse audience while preserving its distinct character.

Now under the leadership of acclaimed Australian chef Sean Connolly—known for his philosophy of “minimum of fuss, maximum of flavor”—Gowings offers a fresh take on dining. The menu, inspired by the lively essence of New York’s Little Italy, delivers indulgent yet straightforward Italian dishes tailored to Sydney’s food enthusiasts.

Housed in such an iconic building, Gowings draws strength from its storied past. The challenge was to honor this heritage while appealing to a contemporary audience. The solution was a striking blend of the two: custom typography that reflects the building’s historical layers, reimagined with a modern sensibility, and a vibrant Italian-inspired color palette that bridges the old and the new.

The refreshed brand embraces its heritage while adopting a sleek and modern aesthetic. Design studio Toben skillfully intertwined historical elements with contemporary touches, moving beyond the masculine “bar and grill” identity to create a brand that feels fresh, inclusive, and inviting.

Chef Sean Connolly brings not just his culinary expertise but also his infectious charisma, complete with a collection of distinctive phrases—fondly called “Seanisms.” Translated into Italian, these phrases add a playful energy to the brand, capturing the spirit of New York’s Little Italy and the chef’s unique approach to cooking.

Cooking at home may be satisfying, but Gowings transforms dining into a sensory adventure. By focusing on tactile, bold, and unexpected brand elements, the refreshed identity ensures a memorable and distinctive experience that aligns with the venue’s vibrant personality and culinary excellence.

Toben is a creative studio founded in Sydney in 2010 by Katja Hartung and Thorsten Kulp. Dedicated to helping brands discover and express their distinctive essence, Toben strives to illuminate their truth and beauty. Over the years, the studio has expanded into a cohesive team of strategic thinkers and creative innovators operating across two locations. Together, they collaborate closely with clients to craft impactful, emotionally resonant brands while maintaining a boutique ethos that prioritizes exceptional outcomes for every project. 

At Toben, empathy is at the core of their approach. By embracing their clients’ perspectives and fostering a keen awareness of their own insights, the team identifies opportunities for meaningful transformation. They view design and creativity as problem-solving tools, where the strength of ideas and the excellence of execution carry equal weight. Toben's goal is to build brands that connect deeply, appealing to both the intellect and the emotions.

The Bold Revival of Gowings

Located in the historic Gowings department store, Gowings Bar and Grill is steeped in history and timeless charm. Its revamped identity firmly places the venue back in the spotlight, paying homage to its rich heritage in a bold and unexpected way.

In its earlier days, Gowings featured a traditional “bar and grill” vibe, appealing largely to Sydney’s inner-city professionals, such as bankers and businessmen. The goal of the redesign was to transform Gowings into a “must-visit” culinary destination, broadening its reach and engaging a more diverse audience while preserving its distinct character.

Now under the leadership of acclaimed Australian chef Sean Connolly—known for his philosophy of “minimum of fuss, maximum of flavor”—Gowings offers a fresh take on dining. The menu, inspired by the lively essence of New York’s Little Italy, delivers indulgent yet straightforward Italian dishes tailored to Sydney’s food enthusiasts.

Housed in such an iconic building, Gowings draws strength from its storied past. The challenge was to honor this heritage while appealing to a contemporary audience. The solution was a striking blend of the two: custom typography that reflects the building’s historical layers, reimagined with a modern sensibility, and a vibrant Italian-inspired color palette that bridges the old and the new.

The refreshed brand embraces its heritage while adopting a sleek and modern aesthetic. Design studio Toben skillfully intertwined historical elements with contemporary touches, moving beyond the masculine “bar and grill” identity to create a brand that feels fresh, inclusive, and inviting.

Chef Sean Connolly brings not just his culinary expertise but also his infectious charisma, complete with a collection of distinctive phrases—fondly called “Seanisms.” Translated into Italian, these phrases add a playful energy to the brand, capturing the spirit of New York’s Little Italy and the chef’s unique approach to cooking.

Cooking at home may be satisfying, but Gowings transforms dining into a sensory adventure. By focusing on tactile, bold, and unexpected brand elements, the refreshed identity ensures a memorable and distinctive experience that aligns with the venue’s vibrant personality and culinary excellence.

Toben is a creative studio founded in Sydney in 2010 by Katja Hartung and Thorsten Kulp. Dedicated to helping brands discover and express their distinctive essence, Toben strives to illuminate their truth and beauty. Over the years, the studio has expanded into a cohesive team of strategic thinkers and creative innovators operating across two locations. Together, they collaborate closely with clients to craft impactful, emotionally resonant brands while maintaining a boutique ethos that prioritizes exceptional outcomes for every project.  

At Toben, empathy is at the core of their approach. By embracing their clients’ perspectives and fostering a keen awareness of their own insights, the team identifies opportunities for meaningful transformation. They view design and creativity as problem-solving tools, where the strength of ideas and the excellence of execution carry equal weight. Toben's goal is to build brands that connect deeply, appealing to both the intellect and the emotions.