Wendy Bergman, known for her creative touch in projects like Chin Chin and Mt Erica Hotel, brings a fresh perspective to her latest venture, Poodle Bar & Bistro. Situated on Gertrude Street in South Fitzroy, this bar and bistro concept embraces both old and new, providing a space for regular visits and a sense of belonging. The design, inspired by chiaroscuro, plays with light and shade, putting patrons at the center of their experience, offering hideout or hangout spaces based on mood.

Poodle Bar's ground floor boasts an intimate dining room and bar with carefully considered elements such as dark wood paneling, alternate ground surfaces, and a walk-up bar reminiscent of the 1930s. The velvet and leather layers in furnishings create a relaxed, luxurious ambiance. The chiaroscuro theme is skillfully executed in the dining booths using patterned parallel lined glass. The ground floor seamlessly blends a romantic, textural past with contemporary art, wild flowers, and greenery, creating an immersive gallery-like experience as patrons move through the space.

As one ascends the stairs, a lightwell signals entry into a new zone. This area includes a private dining room with twelve seats, offering a moody habitat with wall sconces and pull-out drink trays. The outdoor terrace adds versatility to Poodle Bar, ensuring its appeal across all seasons with a cool and kitschy ambiance. Bergman & Co's commitment to balancing relationships between light and shade, past and present, and old and new has transformed Poodle Bar & Bistro into a harmonious space that leaves patrons wanting more.