What can we say about Middle Fish? The first words that spring to mind are ‘truly authentic’!!
Thai cafe Middle Fish has arrived, tucked away in Berkeley St, Carlton in the heart of ‘warehouse heaven’. Taking a cavernous warehouse and transforming it into a warm and welcoming space with defined zones is never an easy task. Boldly and successfully, the creators have designed this space entirely themselves with a clever and artistic eye.
The creativity and vision behind Middle Fish are the dynamic and super lovely duo of Siriporn ‘Pla’ Liamthong and partner David Holtum. Pla, meaning ‘fish’ in Thai, has had the lifelong nickname ‘Middle Fish’ after which the cafe is named. With origins in southern Thailand and after years cementing herself in the Melbourne hospitality scene, her vision was to open her own a restaurant celebrating the cuisine of her home region – a cuisine which is lighter than how we generally know ‘traditional’ Thai food.
Middle Fish has a distinctly rustic feel. After first painting throughout, Pla and David -who is a chippy by trade and completed much of the construction himself – sandblasted all walls to reveal the original brickwork, bringing warmth and texture to such a voluminous space. Steel framed windows flood light from either end and two oversized chandeliers constructed from traditional Thai silver bowls dominate, shining above.
The chandeliers and other featured artwork (such as that shown above), including the giant fish sculpture running the length of one main wall, are the creation of artist Torlarp Larpjaroensook, who Pla and David discovered based in Chiang Mai. He was provided photos of the venue as it progressed through construction and worked mostly remotely during the design process. Impressive, to say the least!
On the day we visited Middle Fish for our shoot, we foolishly came with full tummies! Foolish, because in a display of generous Thai hospitality, we were presented with our ‘second lunch’ – Pla’s Tom Yum soup and a sticky rice and pork belly delight prepared by Pla’s auntie, Na Sauw, who is experiencing her first time outside Thailand. Both were beyond delicious.
It’s refreshing to see a couple with such passion and commitment to their vision for a venue which embraces design true to Thailand and many hand made pieces.
Do yourself a favour and head down to Middle Fish while the word is still spreading. Because there’s no doubt this one will be a hotspot in months to come.
Middle Fish, 122-128 Berkeley St, Carlton