Imperial Treasure

An International Debut for the well established Asian brand with Michelin stars, Imperial Treasure, opened its’ first luxury restaurant in Europe. Having worked in collaboration with Liaigre Studio previously on the first Hakkasan and The Mercer in New York it was a creative vision that Archer Humphryes were hired for. Recently it was awarded the winning prize for luxury at the International Restaurant and Bar awards.

Located in an old 1910 bank building in St. James’ halfway between the Mall and Piccadilly it is prestigious location on Waterloo Place. Characterised by grand, high-ceiling room covered by marble walls, highly decorated ceilings, columns and capitals the restaurant has significant street presence.

Interior design carves the big space into intimate areas divided by free standing screens, taking into consideration the historic space and materials. Archer Humphryes Architects enhanced, with their experience, every detail and texture of the design. The main space follows the rigidity of the historic bank hall with the decorative free standing screens, offering at the same time a more fluid and elegant approach with its curved elements such as the main onyx bar, the orange and black lacquered sommelier station and the white leather entrance lobby.

Materials span between onyx stone, sandblasted tinted timber frames, decorative plastered panels, grey granite, black and orange lacquered surfaces and leather. The designers describe “this particular venture embodies a subtle blend of English heritage, Chinese culture and French design. At the heart of creation, signature materials such as dark tinted brushed oak, refined green hard stones on the floors and Sun onyx have been used for structural features. The space distribution is redefined with the conception of wood and onyx screens, creating intimacy.”