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.

Photography courtesy Wynk Collaborative.

Story original appeared in Indesignlive Singapore

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