OUR BESPOKE SIGNS: A SHOWCASE

May 02, 2025

OUR BESPOKE SIGNS: A SHOWCASE

Beyond beer, we pride ourselves on our hand-painted signage, works of art that go beyond practicality, thanks to Bodie of Oso El Negro. Here’s a look at some of our finest examples…

For nearly a decade, we’ve worked with sign-writing extraordinaire, Bodie Jarman aka El Oso Negro (@elosonegro_sign_co), on over 20 bespoke mirror designs and some of Sydney’s most eye-catching hospitality signage. Come on a tour of our collaborations about town, showcasing the talents of a true artist and artisan.

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BONDI JUNCTION

THE NELSON HOTEL

‘Liquid Gold’ it boasts above the doorway to the VIP lounge. And it’s safe to say that the pub is solid gold itself! The Nelson is an art deco gem that’s rare in an area surrounded by highrises and highways. So, what better way to honour this beauty than with a sign in pure gold leaf?

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REDFERN

THE BAT & BALL HOTEL

With its rich heritage quenching the thirsts of sports lovers attending Sydney Cricket Ground for generations, the revamped Bat & Ball needed features to match. Handpainted and gilded, the words ‘The Grifter Brewing Co.’ crowns the bar like outstretched laurels. It’s a fitting commemoration of such an iconic pub and our strong partnership.

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WOOLLAHRA

THE LORD DUDLEY

The adorned mirror that found a home at the Lord Dudley has all the charm of the 1800s exterior and bar of this beloved gastropub. It reflects the intricate patterns of the carpet, the eclectic artworks and many other points of visual intrigue that decorate this piece of history on a leafy corner of the Eastern Suburbs.

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NEWTOWN

THE CARLISLE CASTLE HOTEL

Across our long collaboration, the Carlisle is the project Bodie is most proud of, the artist commenting: ‘This mirror was done the traditional way, gilding on the reverse side of a glass panel with 12kt white-gold and 23kt gold leaf. Paired with a vintage frame, the piece was timeless. It could’ve been a hundred years old – and hopefully it’ll last another hundred!’

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MARRICKVILLE

THE GRIFTER BREWING CO.

From the many mirrors around the venue, to the Fortune Pizza crystal ball, the office and mill room signs, and the Dickie Mills Memorial Pool Room – there are glimmers of Bodie across the entire brewery. They continue to pop up with time as well! The pool room is an example particularly close to our hearts, with its flourishes of the above-table light and dangling sign.

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Come visit us at the brewery for a full tour (or Where’s Wally?) of all our bespoke signage. And check out Bodie’s website or give him a follow on Insta (@elosonegro_sign_co) to see more of his work.

We’ll sign off with some words from the artist himself, ‘Grifter is always supporting local artists and the community. A couple of ice cold SK’s are a perfect match for slinging paint in the studio, too!’