Client: Alan Yau Ltd
Title: Hakkasan
Location: London, UK
Description: Winner Best Restaurant - FX International Interior Design Award 2001
Winner The Most Outstanding Environmental Design & Architecture -
D&AD Award 2002
Winner Best Restaurant - Time Out 2002
For Alan Yau, owner of Busaba and founder of Wagamama and working with the French designer Christian Liaigre, Jestico + Whiles have juxtaposed contemporary design with traditional Chinese elements.
The entrance is signalled by lanterns, a dark green slate canopy and discreet signage. From here one descends an atmospherically lit slate stair to a generous reception, bar and restaurant surrounded by an oriental screen in dark timber. The ethereal quality of the space is reinforced by dark timber furniture and miniature glass table lamps.
The main space consists of three elements: restaurant, bar and lounge. In the restaurant there is seating for 130 people, divided into intimate dining spaces by dark stained oak screens which incorporate antique lacquered panels, and is lit by silk lanterns hung from a metal mesh ceiling.
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