Louise is the latest in a string of stylish new establishments that have cemented Hong Kong architect André Fu’s reputation as a design innovator. It’s not that the city is short of talent, but Fu’s inspired take on nostalgia with a fictional narrative built around an unconventional, yet sybaritic character packs a powerful punch.
The two-storey colonial house in a leafy corner of the former Police Married Quarters (PMQ) is small compared to his some of other projects, but Fu says he was intrigued by the unusual opportunity to work with the Grade II-listed building which is conceived as a private home, complete with quintessentially Hong Kong-style zinc entrance gates.
The ground-floor terrace and open-plan interiors incorporate other traditional touches with lush plants, vintage lamps and richly textured furnishings in sage-green and rattan, velvet and lacquer. There is a dramatic jewel-like bar in fluted green marble and at the rear of the space, an intimate private dining room with an exotic mural reminiscent of a tropical greenhouse.
The upstairs restaurant, accessed by a striking staircase with walls clad in a whimsical botanical wallpaper and an eclectic collection of original works of art, is decorated in a glamorous combination of ivory and mustard yellow, and features an intricate geometric-patterned rattan ceiling. The light-infused space and cosy balcony sets the stage for Michelin-starred chef Julien Royer to impress with his masterful yet unpretentious take on French comfort food including angel hair pasta served with Kristal caviar, black truffle and kombu. §
