Inspired by the building’s unique wedge-shaped design, Gilles & Boissier has created a rich and sensuous interior, which conforms to the strong DNA and core design concepts of Hakkasan. Five distinctly varied spaces have been created by the design firm that deliver a sense of mystique.
Gilles & Boissier created a dramatic interior that takes guests on a journey through a sequence of emotionally-charged spaces with a V-shaped bar being the focal point of the room. Hakkasan will feature a 25-seat curved bar; two private dining rooms; a main dining area, enclosed in latticed “cage” partitions filled with Chinese screens; and a 50-seat Ling Ling, a signature feature of Hakkasan, reflecting the old-school decadence of Chinoiserie. The entire space is resonant with the use of stone, glass, steel, dark stained oak, Calcutta marble, coloured mirrors, silks and embroidered leather. Gilles & Boissier’s careful utilisation of lighting, organic textures and contrasting feminine and masculine elements also help create a heady and evocative sensory experience.
The 170-seat restaurant features arched windows, which bathe the space in natural light, a dramatic change from the darker interiors of previous Hakkasans. It also offers panoramic views of Market and Geary streets. The blue glass sign and reception desk, a nod to the company’s ubiquitous use of blue glass, is set against floor-to-ceiling white marble walls. The elevator leads the guests to the second floor to a bronze-coloured V-shaped bar. To the left is the Ling Ling and to the right is the cage, while the bar is the main stage.
The bar top and back bar are adorned with Hakkasan’s signature blue glass and accented by silver resin bottle shelves. Sleek, comfortable barstools clad in leather invite guests to linger for hours, while a “Sommelier Bar”– an extension of the existing bar comprising four seats – is available for an intimate experience with the sommelier. A dark wooden ceiling over the bar transitions to black mesh in the caged areas to emphasise the beauty and detail of the screens.
The Ling Ling and cage can be seen around windows lining Market and Geary streets, respectively. Swathed in a palette of warm earth tones such as orange, gold and tobacco, the Ling Ling is enhanced by natural light during the day and hand-blown glass pendants at night. The cage is made of oak along with hand-carved white Carrera marble, which gives a sense of privacy and intimacy. The open-plan kitchen is adorned in white subway tiles and polished stainless steel. The hotel also features two private dining rooms, adjacent to the Ling Ling, with enough natural light and stunning hand-woven silk panels in blue and emerald green.
Gilles & Boissier has worked on all of the company’s international openings to date, with its latest projects being Hakkasan New York and San Francisco.
