Project Name
Foxglove
Posted in
Bars, Design, Interior Design
Design Studio
NCDA
Completed
2015
Detailed Information
Project NameFoxglovePosted inBars, Design, Interior DesignDesign StudioNCDA
Completed2015

Patrons entering Foxglove lounge bar on Ice House Street in Central, Hong Kong, find themselves surrounded by an aura of opulence and mystery, as if they've just stepped inside a cinematic fantasy in which they are the heroes. Designed by Nelson Chow of NC Design & Architecture, all 4,300 square feet of the lounge bar, which opened its doors in 2015, evokes the glamour of a bygone decade, steeped in the traditional quintessence of British heritage.

Appearances are often deceiving and in the case of Foxglove they are purposefully so. Entering from the curb, one encounters an elegant umbrella shop, called Fox Shop, its walls lined with custom designed, brass-edged wood and glass display cases exhibiting row upon row of handmade umbrellas. The "secret" entrance to Foxglove's main lounge and cocktail bar is revealed by casually twisting the meticulously fabricated silver handle of a special umbrella leaning beside the bar at the back of the boutique… 

Photo by Dennis Lo.

Photo by Dennis Lo.

Photo by Dennis Lo.

Photo by Dennis Lo.

Photo by Dennis Lo.

Photo by Dennis Lo.

Here, the designer was inspired by the unapologetic luxury that only first class air and rail travelers are privy to, along with the sophisticated design exemplified in the finest vintage automobiles. This is translated to a space filled with masculine touches, as well as a rich and enveloping, jewel-toned color palette. All elements - from the gray marble bar top, to the sapphire blue tones of the stitched leather banquet seats, club chairs and bar stools - are scrupulously executed.

Photo by Dennis Lo.

Photo by Dennis Lo.

Photo by Dennis Lo.

Photo by Dennis Lo.

The designer was inspired by the unapologetic luxury that only first class air and rail travelers are privy to, along with the sophisticated design exemplified in the finest vintage automobiles

Photo by Nelson Chow.

Photo by Nelson Chow.

Photo by Dennis Lo.

Photo by Dennis Lo.

Photo by Dennis Lo.

Photo by Dennis Lo.

Further inside, the intimacy of the 32-seater, VIP room is enhanced by the deep, blood red tones of the leather tabletops and tufted chairs, and the custom made, brass light fixtures which were inspired by classic car headlamps. The polished wood and glossy white arching ceiling and the room's length make patrons feel as if they are entering the private car of a luxury train. The continuous row of umbrellas lining the walls might come as a surprise, because fast moving landscapes behind window panes would probably be more expected.

Photo by Dennis Lo.

Photo by Dennis Lo.

Photo by Dennis Lo.

Photo by Dennis Lo.

Meanwhile, the truly discerning are invited to the VVIP room via yet another "secret" entryway: touching a seemingly traditional floral painting until it glows, a signal to the bartender inside the sanctuary to open the door. In here, bookshelves line the walls and a rich, emerald green color palette envelops; what goes on in here remains a secret even to the select that make Foxglove their city retreat.

Because ultimately Foxglove is an escape; and a theatrical world of opulence and exclusivity that makes actors out of those with the imagination to become a part of its real fantasy, before they must once again step out of its confines. Until their next visit... 

Photo by Dennis Lo.

Photo by Dennis Lo.

Photo by Dennis Lo.

Photo by Dennis Lo.

Foxglove Lounge Bar: an Exclusive Den in the Heart of Hong Kong

1 of