Located in Shanghai, China, Le Coq Wine & Bistro, Taikooli by RooMoo design studio was conceived as a ‘walk-in vineyard’, and brings a new immersive dining and wine-tasting experience to both a local clientele and discerning visitors to the city.

Presenting a twist on the usual restaurant and bar venue, this project displays the process of wine production from grape to liquid through the interpretation of the spatial design. As motif and decoration, LED lighting emulates the idea of grapes and timber sticks or rods, formed in squares or as ladders, represent vine branches and become a decorative addition within the interior.

RooMoo design studio has created an homage to wine and dining through this concept and the venue, spread across 333 square metres and two levels is anything but expected. Within a beautiful fluid interior design are the functions of a bar and restaurant that provide places of intimacy and spaces for a family or group to drink and dine in comfort.

The first or ground floor of Le Coq is designed as a welcoming and open aesthetic while the second level is more intimate with two private VIP rooms. To be noted, there is indoor and outside dining on both levels. Most dining settings are for two people however each table is customised and able to be combined to accommodate larger groups.

Related: Indesignlive’s 10 best hospitality projects of 2022

The curve is ever-present and reminiscent of the swirling image of liquid and the shape of the grape. A spectacular spiral staircase in dark grey joins the two floors and it is both elegant and practical.

A bar on the ground level, at the glazed façade corner, offers an excellent display of the wine cellar while dark grey curvaceous banquette-style sofas imitate the organic lines of the stair and rail and, of course, provide seating.

The oval-shaped bar counter is made from tempered brown glass that is backlit and circular lighting suspensions imitate the form from above and complement the shape of the counter. Also overhead, is a large round shelf that holds wine glasses and, its form and function, brings a certain whimsy and delight to this area of the restaurant.  

The palette is minimal using just two colours in the space, the light openness of beige and the drama of dark grey, and all furniture was customised to enhance the concept and aesthetic. Beige Glass Reinforced Gypsum (GRG), timber veneer and plasterboard have been employed at the hub of the restaurant, while beige ceramic bricks have been used to great effect as cladding for walls and ceilings. Reflecting the idea of a walk in a vineyard, the bricks have been laid in a unique basketweave-style pattern that is reminiscent of blowing wind.

RooMoo is an interior design studio founded in Shanghai by Tao Zhang, Ray Zhang, and Marine Bois. The three come from different backgrounds: landscape, architecture, interior, product design, and decoration but each person’s expertise combines to present a total architecture and design package.

The practice is well known for its hospitality projects but also works across the commercial and residential sectors. The diversity of the multicultural team allows RooMoo to explore the critical point between the local culture and internationalisation. The studio studies the ordinary to be able to create the outstanding, therefore, each concept story for every project is unique.

RooMoo has once again created an extraordinary interior for Le Coq Wine & Bistro, having created iterations of the restaurant in other Chinese cities. Each restaurant is site specific and Le Coq Wine & Bistro, Taikooli is no exception. The design is smooth and sophisticated, the interior spacious and comfortable, the furnishings, pared back and appropriate and the total visage is accomplished and inviting.

RooMoo was shortlisted in the 2022 INDE.Awards for Le Coq Wine & Bistro restaurant in Xian, China. The 2023 INDE.Awards is now open. Enter here.

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