Maximilian Gradl and his partners originally intended to open a champagne bar, but after a survey of the light-filled L-shaped space in a postmodernist pile built in the late 1950s by Sepp Ruf and Theo Pabst, the Zurich-based architects Build_Inc had more ambitious ideas.
The result is a sexy bar, lounge and restaurant that combines contemporary lines with an unabashed vintage vibe that’s completely in keeping with the building’s architectural heritage. The terrazzo floor is inlaid with strips of brass that demarcate the separate spaces. Dark grey drapes and furnishings, and deep black walls and pillars provide a dramatic contrast, while thin veins of brass strips break away to create geometric edges along the window panes, sofa arm rests, and table corners.
The bar menu is equally beguiling. The Paper Wave – a heady cocktail of spiced rum, Irish whiskey, sherry, burnt orange slices, and caramelized pineapple – sets the scene for a dinner of artichoke ravioli and red chard, and pancetta-inflected potato bread.
ADDRESS
Maxburgstraße 4
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Last chance to see: Sharjah Biennial 15, ‘Thinking Historically in the Present’Built on the vision of late curator Okwui Enwezor, the Sharjah Biennial 15: ‘Thinking Historically in the Present’ offers a critical reframing of postcolonial narratives through major new commissions
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For London Gallery Weekend 2023, the mood is hardcore
With London Gallery Weekend 2023 almost upon us (2 – 4 June), here’s our list of must-see art exhibitions
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Birkenstock celebrates its most memorable styles with colourful capsule (and matching socks)
Birkenstock marks the 40th, 50th and 60th anniversaries of the Gizeh, Arizona and Madrid sandals, respectively, with limited-edition versions
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Villa One at the One & Only Palmilla — Los Cabos, Mexico
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Martim — Wroclaw, Poland
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Tattersalls Hotel — Armidale, Australia
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KLoé Hotel — Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Gekko House — Frankfurt, Germany
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Casa Hoyos — San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
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Littlenap — Hangzhou, China
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Casa Santa Teresa — Corsica, France
