BrandWorks were engaged by the client to create a brand, concept and interior design for a new dim sum, tea and cocktail bar in the heart of Shanghai. Inspired by the golden era of Art Deco glamour and jet setting between the world wars. The overarching concept was based on the idea of 'The Grand Hong Kong Hotel', paying homage to luxurious travel and design of hotels of the 1930s. The project was treated almost like set design as the team dedicated time to watching films like 'In The Mood For Love' and 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' in order to truly immerse themselves in the space.
The finishes, details and even styling have all been meticulously crafted to transport diners to the golden age of luxury travel. Celebrating Hong Kong traditions and reimagining Yum Cha, the brand’s concept centered around the “Dim Sum Society”, where the experience took patrons on a journey through the inner workings of the grand hotel, where guests were invited to dress in their chic finest and meet up for cocktails, tea and yum cha.
Filled with nostalgia and defining moments in Hong Kong’s pop culture and travel, the story begins with the “Grand Destination”, reminiscing the art of travel and the destination as a journey unto itself. The British colonial outpost set in the tropical beach-side scenery of Hong Kong served as a breezy backdrop for the art-deco inspired venue; a leisurely summer afternoon, with the cool sea breeze across your face, providing relief from the humidity and tropical sun. The graphic signage and way-finding seek to emulate the hotel lobby’s visual statement, with menus, hotel stationery and stamps and staff uniforms completing the hotel’s art-deco aesthetic. Colourful Dim Sum paired with iced tea and tropical tipples, guests are invited to escape the city bustle in a private booth of their own taking, transcending into a world of sensual pleasure of lush vibrant colour, taste, smell and music from sunrise to sunset with entourage close behind.
Team:
Architects: BrandWorks Studio
Builder: An Hui Wan Wei Building Construction Pty ltd
Furniture Supplier: MuSen Furniture Shanghai Pty Ltd
Photographer: Studio SZ Photo
Materials Used:
General wall: The circular banquette has been finished with a contrast velvet piping detail that was inspired by a typical Chinese cheongsam dress originally designed in Shanghai in the 1920's. Behind the banquettes the wall panels have been upholstered in cheongsam material and walnut timber joinery mimics the iconic clasp design of the dress. This subtle nod honours fashion houses of the era and provides a joinery language that is repeated throughout the entire venue.
Terazzo Flooring: BrandWorks designed the custom fan pattern that was then made and sourced in Shanghai to match a control sample. It is made from locally sourced two tone terrazzo
Doors: Aged Brass and Narrow Reeded Glazing
Interior lighting: Lighting Spaces
Bar cladding: Walnut Veneer with Terrazzo bartop
Tabletop: Green Granite - Shanghai Lan Ying Stone Supply Pty Ltd
Bulkhead: Custom suspended ceiling floral design by BrandWorks
