The Bottle Shop and B Bar – hidden behind a supermarket – is a series of spaces inspired by high street bottle shops with the charm of vintage European cellars, cumulating in a whimsical world.
December 18th, 2019
Representing Habitat by Honestbee’s foray into wine and spirits, the Bottle Shop and B Bar comprises a standalone retail store and secret bar within the mega supermarket. From the get-go, however, the site was only meant to host the retail component. According to Wynk Collaborative who designed the space, a fire escape corridor had to be incorporated, resulting in a deep corner that was unsuitable for retail. Turning a less than ideal situation on its head, a hidden bar and private lounge was conceived.
The passage from the Bottle Shop to B Bar recalls the experience of getting inebriated: the journey begins clear-minded at an unsuspecting Bottle Shop comprising neutral light wood shelves and monochromatic mosaic floors. The discovery takes one to an arched corridor inspired by old European cellars and chambers. Finally, for the ones in the know, a back mirror opens up to the secret bar: straight to a less restrained zone.
“The B Bar is like [a] tasting room that extends from the Bottle Shop, which sells the bottle, closing the journey of finding and enjoying the wine or spirit, and the beginning of future journeys,” says Leong Hon Kit, co-founder of Wynk Collaborative.
As if in a different world, B Bar is sombre and playful. Deep blues, ash veneers and brass walls surround a handsome bar shelf composed of irregular geometric forms stained in turquoise-green, showcasing spirits against a matching marble back. Cocktails are served up on a noir marble countertop with luscious leather edges where arms rest. Elegantly bent brass and wooden strips clad the bar. For small groups preferring to sit away, luxuriously-spaced round tables host intimate conversations.
In reversed wall colours, a private lounge at the end of the bar emulates a living room scenario. A Roy Lichenstein artwork sets the mood with two black-lighted shelves tracing the lofty ceiling, complete with DCW In The Tube lights and B&B Italia, Cassina and Poltrona Frau furniture that can be rearranged for various programmes. With two-way access from within B Bar and outside the building, the lounge can be sectioned off for private events or opened up to make room when the bar gets packed.
“The Habitat experience aims to go beyond just making a transaction and help the visitor make the journey from discovery to appreciation,” adds Leong. Rightfully so, the inventive space considers the experience of shopping for alcohol in an organised manner before transporting one into a visually-exciting spot to savour them.
Story original appeared in Indesignlive Singapore
If you loved this, we think you’d might like Coffee and matcha in the void. Join our digital community and get weekly inspiration straight to your inbox.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
‘The Elevation of Gravity’ installation was an immersive showcase of innovation that heralded the debut of Gaggenau’s groundbreaking Essential Induction cooktop.
The Sub-Zero Wolf showrooms in Sydney and Melbourne provide a creative experience unlike any other. Now showcasing all-new product ranges, the showrooms present a unique perspective on the future of kitchens, homes and lifestyles.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
Kate Ockwell, interior design associate at Plus Architecture, comments on the four ideas hoteliers, restaurateurs and their interior designers should be considering when designing their spaces.
State of Kin is taking Perth by storm at the moment — and their intriguing and sculptural extension to iconic Perth bar and eatery The Stables is proof.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Eccentricity and refinement blend at Giant Steps Wines’ new Tasting Room – a picture-perfect place for guests to wine down.
An entry by MuseLAB, in The Retail Space in the 2024 INDE.Awards, takes shoppers to another planet where diamonds and great interior design make a lasting impression.