The latest iteration of Coffeelin – a collaboration with JJ Acuña / Bespoke Studio – brings a Milanese coffee-to-cocktail experience to Fortress Hill, distilling the spirit of an Italian osteria into a convivial space. Drawing on the timeless traditions of Italian hospitality, the design combines nostalgia with a modern sensibility, creating a setting where materials and layout work together to evoke warmth and familiarity.

The design is centred around the ebullient idea of home, specifically the way rituals and memories are passed down through generations within an Italian household. The open kitchen, central to the space, breaks from traditional café layouts and introduces a more domestic environment. This configuration encourages a lively exchange between guests and the art of coffee-making, reinforcing the ethos of the venue.

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A careful selection of materials shapes the atmosphere, with patterned floor tiles creating a dynamic interplay of colour and texture while ceiling murals introduce an artistic touch reminiscent of hand-painted frescoes found in traditional trattorias. Rustic oak furniture adds a sense of authenticity, balancing the vibrancy of decorative elements with a feeling of permanence. The signature coffee bar serves as a focal point, framing the coffee-making process as a ritual and a performance.

The inclusion of GRISO coffee beans, reflecting the commitment to Milanese roasting traditions, further emphasises the dedication to cultural integrity and unwavering narrative.

JJ Acuña / Bespoke Studio
jjabespoke.com

Photography
Steven Ko

Next up: Beehive Hotel is “a responsive approach towards re-interpreting the site’s heritage”