The Deen has grabbed attention at the 1999 Australian Hotels Association Awards for Excellence with its futuristic artwork, winning the best bar presentation and service category.
Construction of the Graham Farmer Freeway Tunnel caused the hotel to lose on e of its greatest drawcards – its beer gardens.
It underwent radical cosmetic and partial constructional redevelopment in early 1998 and adopted a policy of keeping the patron constantly visually entertained.
Using the artwork of Andy Miller, the hotel has a multi-themed zone concept with six distinct zones in all.
There is an entry bar and chill-out area featuring industrial art, a club zone with extensive effect lighting and a 1945 World War II Wirraway aircraft suspended from the steel pergola roof.
A games zone features custom built pool tables – both round and Y-shaped.
Art installations behind the bars are rotated about every two months.
Operations manager Tim Caporn said the aim was to skew the perceptions of the patron.
“Regulars don’t know what to expect when they come in,” Mr Caporn said.
“We employ a trainer to teach bar staff how to deliver the perfect drink – ice, garnish, coaster, everything – in six seconds to the patron.
“We don’t even let them near a bar until they’ve done two months training and can deliver consistently.
“So while the patron is waiting their six seconds for a drink, they look around at the visual displays and this keeps them amused.”
Mr Caporn said winning the award was great considering the competition.
