Architect Arnold Cheung gives this hidden bar an appearance that embraces the contemporary movements in interior design. With a strong color palette that is both accommodating and aesthetically friendly, the speakeasy is only barely visible from inside a ramen restaurant via a transparent glass door. Both the eatery and the hidden bar are meant to be separate experiences for the consumer. Arnold Cheung undertakes a rather unconventional approach in the design of the Brooklyn speakeasy. While traditionally these types of illicit establishments are immersed in mystery and boast dark-lit spaces, the architect creates a contemporary well-lit hidden bar that is welcoming and airy.
Appropriately dubbed 'The Hidden Pearl,' the Japanese-style speakeasy offers the paying customer a selection of "recognizably Japanese" snacks and drinks. The experience alone is worth the trip.
Photo Credits: Phillip Van Nostrand
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Contemporary Speakeasies
- Designing hidden bars with a modern and welcoming aesthetic, diverging from the traditional dark-lit atmosphere.
- Transparent Entrances
- Creating hidden bars with transparent glass doors visible from within another establishment, introducing a unique element of discovery.
- Cultural-themed Speakeasies
- Developing hidden bars that offer a specific cultural experience, such as Japanese-style speakeasies with regionally inspired snacks and drinks.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Hospitality
- The hospitality industry can capitalize on the trend of contemporary speakeasies by creating hidden bars within their establishments that offer a unique and modern experience.
- Interior Design
- Interior design professionals have an opportunity to innovate by designing hidden bars with transparent entrances that allow customers to stumble upon the secret space.
- Food and Beverage
- The food and beverage industry can explore the trend of cultural-themed speakeasies, providing customers with a specialized experience that goes beyond traditional bars.
