It was all about authenticity and a strict avoidance of the Mariachi band image of Mexico when the Sydney based practice of Juicy Design were assigned to handle the branding and interior design of a new Mexican restaurant in their city. The inspiration began with the alternative cuisine and the name of Mejico popped up, the rest just followed!

From entering the long narrow space, the first thing that we notice are the colours, which are totally unlike the gaudy red and green common to establishments of this kind. In the Mejico, the interior is an ultra-cool, high ceilinged space with with industrial urban tones. Raw surfaces of brick and concrete where the cultural element of Aztec patterns become a signature theme on the floor and walls.

Further along, colour has been introduced in the geometric wall coverings in fuschia and the seats beside the communal dining space as well as more traditional tables against a wall with a long bench and cushions with ethnic designs. In an open kitchen, strings of chilli peppers are suspended by mounds of corn and limes, no guessing about the ingredients here! And just in case you are still confused, a number of retro graphics in Spanish are displayed here and there. Add to this a row of oversized wicker basket lamp shades, and there you have it, a bold, fun interior bursting with energy! Mejico is a restaurant which promises to offer its diners much more than tequila and nachos!