Manhattan draws on past elegance to create a cocktail bar that strives to be the contemporary evocation of legendary grand hotel bars of the past. It is upscale and modern in feel and luxurious in its restrained opulence of rich materials and intricate details.
Manhattan is an homage to the golden age of cocktails. Located on the second floor of the Regent Hotel in Singapore, Manhattan’s entry is flanked on either side by articulated ingredients and barrel-aging rooms. These rooms, which celebrate the craft of cocktails, are contained by finely detailed, mild steel screens of matte micaceous oxide finish juxtaposing the high gloss lacquer panels of the facade.
Upon entry to the main salon you discover a symmetrical space where two generous seating groups are the central focus of the room. These groups are divided with gold stainless steel consoles topped in a forest green marble which is used throughout. On both sides of the main salon enormous eight meter long chesterfields in dark gloss leather border the room. Swivel club chairs finished in green velvet and leather sit opposite them, divided by antique mirror topped tables. The mirrored ceiling coffers expand the room by reflection, accentuating the richness of detail while allowing furtive views between bar patrons.
The main bar itself is expressed as both the centerpiece for the venue and main stage for the bar tender. To emphasize its significance, it is elevated three steps above the main salon. Sensually formed timber balustrades lead the guest to a platform finished with inlaid scalloped marble surrounding the leather clad curved bar front. Behind the busy working bar, over 300 artisanal spirits, beautifully illuminated, are supported by a gold stainless steel frame suspended from the ceiling.
The main salon is flanked by two private zones, on the right hand side the Library is designed as a retreat from the main salon where guests can recline into custom-designed wing back chairs with the backdrop of deep gloss lacquered wallpaper. Leading from the library is a clandestine room hidden behind a sliding antique mirror panel. This room is lined with blue tinted marquetry, art deco inspired stainless steel decorative panelling, and suede banquette. Leading from the left hand side of the main salon is the private salon, set behind velvet curtains, which is an intimate lounge space adorned with a cabinet of cut crystal curios that contrast the contemporary lines of the Vico Magistretti Atollo table lamps flanking the navy blue velvet buttoned sofas.