Pilgrims Restaurant Cronulla

Location: Cronulla, NSW
Project Type: Hospitality, heritage adaptive reuse
Completion: 2014
Design Lead: JMH Living Design

This three-storey residence home comprising 2 living levels with basement parking under, and located in Cronulla was designed as a sanctuary for a couple transitioning into retirement. Perched on a sloping block with sweeping views of the ocean and city skyline, the home is a perfect blend of comfort, sustainability, and thoughtful design. It balances openness with privacy, warmth with sophistication, and feels like a luxury getaway, every day.

The building had strong bones and heritage significance but needed significant work to suit its new purpose. The layout didn’t support hospitality use, natural light was limited, and many original features had been covered or altered over time.

The design needed to restore the building’s character, introduce functionality for a modern restaurant, and create a space that would feel calm, inviting, and full of soul. Everything from access and kitchen layout to acoustics and lighting had to be rethought.

Because of the building’s age and location, there were also strict planning, compliance, and heritage constraints to consider.

JMH Living Design approached the project with a balance of respect and creativity. Key heritage features were carefully restored and reintroduced into the design. The layout was opened up to create better flow between the dining areas and kitchen, while still allowing for quiet corners and a sense of intimacy.

Natural finishes, warm timber tones, and soft lighting helped establish the relaxed, earthy feel that reflects the Pilgrims brand. Original brickwork, timber beams, and ceiling details were retained where possible, adding texture and authenticity to the space.

The design made the most of natural light, introduced ventilation improvements, and addressed the acoustic needs of a busy dining area. At the same time, the building’s exterior was sensitively updated to maintain its connection to Cronulla’s streetscape and history.

Pilgrims Restaurant Cronulla has become a much-loved space for locals and visitors alike. The interior feels warm, honest, and timeless, with a natural rhythm that suits everything from a quick coffee to a slow weekend lunch.

The project has been recognised for its design, winning multiple awards for non-residential interiors and adaptive reuse. It’s a space that shows how heritage buildings can be made useful, beautiful, and relevant again, without losing their identity.

• Adaptive reuse offers the chance to create something truly special by blending the old with the new.
• Working with existing buildings requires care, creativity, and close attention to heritage and planning requirements.
• Good hospitality design is not just about looks. It’s about flow, comfort, atmosphere, and how people feel when they walk in.