Tigra + Disco Pantera

Sydney

Sustainable sourcing with disco soul

Tigra + Disco Pantera began life as a box of tiles. 1950s Bendigo Pottery tiles, to be precise. Once destined for a coffee table elsewhere in Sydney, these tiles became the nucleus of Ross and Gordon Purnell's first solo venture, whose vision was brought to life by in-house designer Cass Siow. From a chance second-hand sale interaction came the driving ethos behind the Quay Quarter Lanes venues: eclectic, soulful and sustainable curation to create a truly unique experience for guests.

Tigra is the downstairs gateway to the brothers' wonderful world of reclaimed materials and vintage fittings. Here, there's a distinct lack of a bar. Instead, a small counter space reminiscent of a domestic kitchen is the service area, creating a house party feel. Electric blue Danish 1990s sconces adorn the walls and a donated 1980s Marantz amplifier throws out the soundtrack to aperitifs and snack plates.

The bar's distinctive stainless steel and orange leather bar seats come as part of a collaboration with furniture designer, Reddie, who work with reclaimed materials, including the traceable teak used to make upstairs sister venue Disco Pantera's bar top. Every element of the rich, ambient space is carefully sourced: a backbar made with timber cutoffs from the front cladding, articulated illustrator lamps from Walt Disney Studios and a sound system salvaged from a now-closed Sydney nightclub.

The Purnell brothers took inspiration from 1970s Chicago, the birth of house music and the height of disco, not only with the aesthetic of each bar but the practicalities. Minute details reflect the accessibility integral to the spirit of disco: all furniture is moveable and an ambulant elevator and toilet facilities ensure no-one needs to miss out on the party.

Tigra + Disco Pantera may have only been open since September 2024, but a whole lot of history and a dedication to adaptive reuse philosophy has marked its place firmly on the bar design map, securing it the accolade of The Best Bar Design Award 2025, as selected by a jury of design industry experts.

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