AB Concept and the Holy Trinity of Restaurant Design For Aqua Restaurant Group

AB Concept was approached by Aqua Restaurant Group to develop a three dining restaurants destination located in the formal Central Police Station in Hong Kong. Named ‘The Chinese Library’, ‘Statement’ and ‘The Dispensary’, the three restaurants showcase three distinct designs that combine the past structure with the rich historical narrative of Hong Kong itself.

The ‘Statement’

The avant-garde London culinary destinations inspire the designs of the ‘Statement‘ restaurant, producing an elegant and contemporary vibe that showcases the original architectural features to their fullest potential.

The colonial pitched ceilings and full-length period windows create an air of grandeur to space, features rarely found within Hong Kong culinary destinations.

Introducing the historic interior into the current day with beautiful shimmering fabrics in blue and green hues, paired with bespoke pearl-glass chandelier lighting, inspired by British lanterns, and badge-shaped mirrors which not only celebrate but also make a reference to, the historical significance of space.

Turquoise cracked plaster adorns the walls which maintain a sense of antiquity alongside the original century-old wooden flooring and over-sized windows to complete the interior’s design.

‘The Chinese Library’

Conceived to reflect the historic influx of migrants from regions all over China, ‘The Chinese Library’s menu pays tribute to the contribution each region has made to the colourful Hong Kong cuisine.

AB Concept retained the classic fittings, including the doors, windows and the original century-old wooden flooring in the grand dining room, combining a tasteful blend of Colonial and Oriental influences. Bespoke-crafted banquette booths with dimly lit mood lighting offer intimate seating with a friendly atmosphere.

Draping chandeliers inspired by strings of Chinese lanterns hang from the original and exposed roof structure, drawing eyes up into the vast space. Bronze, copper and celadon tones hint towards the illustriousness of Chinese Jade in the colonial era.

Jade-coloured walls featuring ornate gold mirrors, backlit green onyx screens, and black and white antique Chinese marble tabletops bring the glory of a bygone era to light. Large colonial doors that open onto the expansive verandah reveal more of the building’s history, with balcony louvres echoing the traditional style of colonial window screens.

‘The Dispensary’

‘The Dispensary’ is infused with classic elements and modern nuances to the building’s past. Situated in what would have been the police headquarters’ mess hall, the textured plaster walls reference the same dark blue used for the region’s police uniforms and, on either side are adorned with two specially designed mirrored shields, inscribed with historical tales of the structures past.

The black and white checked mosaic flooring is a nod to the interior’s origin, how it would have looked in its former days as an off-duty bar for its officers. Copper-tray table tops pay tribute to the official police plaque, situated around low-level lounge seating, while the bar itself encases itself in a metallic fence resonant of the old police armoury.

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