Located in Sydney’s Cronulla, The Old Library is now offering planners a spacious sit-down eatery, a bar and a private dining room in a historic setting.

Originally a Methodist Church, and then the Cronulla Library, The Old Library Restaurant & Bar was a two year labour of love for restaurateur Mario Kalpou who has seen The Old Library re-born as a new fine-dining experience focussing on quality service in a welcoming atmosphere.

Award winning design team Hecker Guthrie (Ivy, The Millswyn, Grace, The Public Dining Room) worked with Kalpou to create a crisp seaside interior with subtle library references that has already taken out a special ‘Commendation’ in the prestigious Australian Interior Design Awards.

Located in Sydney’s Cronulla, The Old Library is now open.

“For me the most appealing part of The Old Library is its quirkiness. I love that there is so much character and history in the space yet it has a great deal of flair about it,” said Kalpou.

“The interior was based upon insertion of elements such as the bar, the private dining room and the fireplace alcoves, all giving the voluminous space a sense of intimacy and theatricality,” added Hamish Guthrie of Hecker Guthrie.

The Old Library’s furnishings have been finessed by top stylist Sibella Court – with a balance between modern style and old school flair, from the main dining room to the book and fire-place alcoves.

Despite the designer backdrop, the real heart of The Old Library is the contemporary Italian fare, served “without compromising the integrity of the cucina,” says Kalpou.

Head Chef David Magill, along with cuisine partner, celebrity chef Danny Russo have developed traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist, designed according to the best seasonal produce of the moment.