Hakkasan
London
Jestico + Whiles and Christian Liaigre

A lively fusion of East and West, modern and traditional

© Benedict Luxmoore

For more photos click on 'photos & drawings' above. To see the people and products behind this project click on 'people & products.'

Working with French designer, Christian Liagre, the architects fused a distinctly modern aesthetic with traditional Chinese motifs for Hakkasan, the latest restaurant by Alan Yau, founder of Wagamama and Busaba. Opened to acclaim for its dazzling interior and innovative cuisine, the restaurant strives to be a "destination."

The discreet entrance is marked by a red silk lantern suspended from a green slate canopy. Once past the sanctum of the doorway one descends a subtly lit, slate-clad staircase to a generously proportioned reception, furnished in dark wood set against blue, illuminated glass walls. The cavernous space beyond contains the restaurant and bar, along with the more intimate China Club lounge.

With seating for 130 guests, the restaurant is enclosed by delicate dark wood screens containing antique lacquered panels. Silk lanterns suspended from a metal mesh ceiling continue the theme presented at the entrance. The most dramatic aspect of the restaurant is the bar, running the length of the restaurant and made of panels of illuminated blue glass, topped with a dark wood and glass counter. A top-lit wall of strips of linen slate form a dramatic backdrop to activity on both sides of the bar. A more informal space, the China Club, features a warmly lit wood ceiling and sumptuous silk-upholstered leather seating.

Location:
London

Total construction cost:
$3.5 million

Owner:
Alan Yau

Executive Architect:
Jestico + Whiles
1 cobourg Street
London NW1 2HP
44 0 207 380 0382
44 0 207 380 0511

Interior designer:
Christian Liaigre