Moorish Cafe
November 20, 2020
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Earlier in the year when COVID restrictions were in place, M+J did renovations for award winning restaurant Moorish on Knuckey Street in the Darwin CBD.
Over this time, Moorish were only open for takeaways, so we had the space and access to do the work we needed to.
The brief was to maintain the iconic Moroccan theme but to give the restaurant a lighter and brighter feel.
- Feature panel ceiling - we added acoustic sound panels on the ceiling. While the main aim of this was to reduce the noise when the restaurant is busy, the style of the panels worked beautifully with the Moroccan theme of Moorish.
- Feature timber beams - the removal of the old bulkhead in the middle of Moorish gave the restaurant more height and space. A racked ceiling now continues along the full length of the restaurant, with cosmetic beams adding to the Moorish charm.
- Booth seating - the booth seating in Moorish has been hugely popular, so we extended it to run along the full length of the Cavenagh Street side of the restaurant. This gives more customers the comfort and privacy of booth seating, which has received a lot of positive feedback.
- New lighting - the new lighting installations have given Moorish the ability to create warm and inviting spaces from lunch through to evening. The addition of handmade pendants sourced directly from Morocco create unique patterns on the walls and ceilings, replicating jewels.
- Feature tiles - the hand painted feature tiles are one of the most stand out elements of Moorish. Each tile is a different size, so great care and attention to detail was needed from our M+J tiler to lay them perfectly.
- Curtains - the owner installed lush silk curtains that she sourced from Brisbane. They soften the back of the restaurant nicely and create a romantic feel.
Recent projects
Where It All Began
The recent completion of the KFC in Stuart Park highlights our ability to meet the demands of a high-profile franchise while maintaining a focus on quality and efficiency. The Project Situated at 43 Stuart Highway, next to Sweet Brew Café, the new KFC Stuart Park stands on a site that was once a vacant single allotment. We transformed the unused land into a fully operational restaurant designed to meet KFC’s strict global specifications. The project was completed on time, and the restaurant opened its doors in November 2024. Key Achievements Franchise Standards: Meeting KFC’s global requirements, we ensured every detail—from kitchen equipment to interior finishes—aligned with their brand identity. Efficient Design: The layout was optimised for high-volume service, durability, and operational efficiency. Local Impact: The project created 50 new jobs, contributing to the economic growth of the Darwin community. Why M+J Builders? We specialise in delivering complex commercial projects. Whether it’s a national brand or a bespoke development, we bring the same level of dedication to every build.
Cullen Bay has always been a favourite spot for locals and visitors, offering a laid-back, tropical waterside lifestyle just moments from Darwin’s CBD. Recently, the precinct has undergone a revitalisation aimed at strengthening the connection between the beachfront and marina, while enhancing the area’s appeal with new greening and cooling initiatives. Role in the Revitalisation As part of the Cullen Bay revitalisation project, M+J Builders played a key role in transforming the precinct into a more vibrant, accessible space: Shade Structures: We installed three new shade structures around the marina, providing much-needed relief from the harsh tropical sun and creating spaces for visitors to relax in comfort. Seating & Gathering Spaces: Our team worked on installing informal seating areas, paving, and concrete works, plus arbours over shops to create inviting spots for social interaction and relaxation. Artistic Lighting: To bring the precinct to life at night, we added lighting that creates stunning art effects, making the space a lively destination after dark. Accessibility Improvements: We made sure that Cullen Bay is accessible to everyone by building pathways for disabled access to the beach and gardens. Overcoming Challenges This project came with its share of challenges, including managing pedestrian traffic, navigating council property constraints, and coordinating works around busy roads and local businesses. With careful planning and execution, our team ensured the area remained accessible throughout the process, minimising disruptions to the public as the site always has high numbers of foot traffic. A Collaborative Effort The revitalisation was a joint effort led by the Northern Territory Government and Cullen Bay Marina Management Corporation, with funding and oversight focused on creating cooler, more attractive spaces that would draw both locals and tourists. The goal was to improve liveability and bring more visitors to this prime location in Darwin. Experience the New Cullen Bay Cullen Bay now features a refreshed streetscape with shade trees, lawns, and tropical plants, making it a much cooler and inviting place. The improvements not only enhance the look and feel of the area but also support local businesses by encouraging more foot traffic. We invite you to visit Cullen Bay and see the transformations for yourself. Whether you’re relaxing by the water, dining at one of the local cafes, or soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, Cullen Bay offers something for everyone. At M+J Builders, we’re proud to have contributed to this exciting project and helped make Cullen Bay an even more special place.
