The Woods, a striking new bar in the heart of Central, promises to stimulate all your senses, writes Christie Lee.
July 13th, 2014
Lip-smacking cocktails, bartenders and a bustling locale, that’s usually the three ingredients that all successful bars are made of. Not so fast, says Victoria, Regina and Juliette Chow, the three sisters behind The Woods, a spanking new ‘experiential bar’ in Hollywood Road.
The sensorial experience begins at the entrance, where an elaborate hand-blown glass sculpture, meant to evoke the fanciful moment when natural light is being filtered through a sea of foliage, hangs from the ceiling.
Patrons are led via a staircase down to the bar itself, where the tasteful blend of natural wood, marbled surfaces and mellow lighting combine to create an idyllic haven for discerning imbibers. The floor, a combination of reclaimed wood – sourced from Guangzhou – and vibrantly-hued tessellated marble is a striking feature. Regina Chow, architect and brains behind the bar’s interior design notes: “Reclaimed wood has more colour variation so it adds an interesting texture to the decor.” Meanwhile, the colourful mosaics are meant to conjure images of fallen autumn leaves.
The lounge and eight-seat reservations-only bar areas are divided by way of moveable latticed panels.
The lounge area channels a laid-back vibe, with visual privacy achieved through the use of wooden canopies. “They remind one of the cabins that people stay in when they go on a holiday in the woods,” says Chow. “They create a sense of intimacy.” At the prix fixe area, a sleek white marble bar top allows the chef and mixologist to work their craft. As with most upmarket bars in the area, the cocktail menu is modest but carefully curated.
The stunningly illuminated feature behind the bar displays a wide range of wines, spirits and liquors. Pendant Edison lights dot the premises, with green shutter gates paying tribute to an iconic local architectural fixture. The organically-curved chairs and stools round out the refined aesthetics.
Efforts were made to incorporate fine art into the decor. A mural wall comes courtesy of Victoria Chow, and a set of photographs, lensed by a Californian artist, is also due to arrive this month.
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!
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.
Create a configuration to suit your needs with this curved collection.
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
What’s in a name? At Wardle, a new name marks the next progression in the architecturally designed road for this outstanding practice.
London-based Carmody Groarke and Paris-based TVK have been announced as winners of a milestone competition for the new Bibliothèque nationale de France conservation centre.