Imperial treasore restaurant – London

Michelin-starred Imperial Treasure Group called upon Studio Liaigre to design its first European eponymous restaurant in London. Located in a listed bank and opened on Waterloo Place in December 2018, the restaurant proposes fine traditional Chinese cuisine alongside a cocktail bar with a rare selection of champagne and an authentic Asian beverages collection.

A cross between Chinese tradition and French interior architecture
Leaning on Liaigre’s motto “fit in the context” - grounding inspiration in local culture, traditions and lifestyle -, this particular venture embodies a subtle blend of English heritage, Chinese culture and French design.

«After Yauatcha in 2004, the last public project designed in London by Liaigre was the restaurant Hakkasan in 2006. Imperial Treasure was a new opportunity for the Studio to demonstrate our taste for projects conveying a strong cultural tradition and for noble materials. Nestling a contemporary vision and lifestyle in an historical building was a great challenge.» Frauke Meyer, Liaigre Creative Director
Inspirations

The Studio’s inspirations for this project come from different backgrounds. The imposing Victorian building in itself bared various constraints that couldn’t be by- passed. The particular interior architecture and orange marble walls were the starting point of the creative reflexion – the building being listed, these couldn’t be removed nor modified.

The Studio decided to use this strong and luminous color as a red line, contrasting with a dark and dramatic interior design. Floors and pieces of furniture in subtle shades of grey and dark green, add to the sensual look and feel of the space.

Creative inspirations are rooted in ancient Chinese traditions, from the everyday way of sharing table moments to the intimate architecture of Chinese dining rooms.

Also, series shot by French photographer Marc Riboud in the 1960’s and 70’s in the streets of Chinese cities were also one important thread, immersing into the history of the Middle Kingdom and its evolutions.

Architectural features
Early 2016, Imperial Treasure Group chose an old 19th century-listed building to host the restaurant. The building is listed grade 2, Conservation Heritage.

This daunting challenge sets the bases of ingenious and respectful renovations and interior architecture for the studio. The unusual proportions of the building (20 feet high from floor to ceiling) gave the Studio the opportunity to create a cinematographic decor. The global space is separated and segmented in different areas: A bar, a main dining area with 109 seating and a sommelier station. A mezzanine has been created to welcome three private dining rooms for a total of 32 seating.

At the heart of creation, signature materials such as dark tinted brushed oak, refined green hard stones on the floors and Sun onyx have been used for structural features. The space distribution is redefined with the conception of wood and onyx screens, creating intimacy.

Layout and furniture
Furniture pieces and lightings are exclusively drawn and custom made for the project. Dark tones in allovers have been chosen for the wooden chairs and tables, and an assembly of pale green and orange leathers upholstery for the spectacular banquettes. A lounge area hosts a stunning “Sun” onyx bar recalling the colors of the original building’s walls.

Studio Liaigre