Adventure and discovery are at the very heart of the Hudson Hotel’s new cocktail bar and lounge, Henry. Drawing upon the famed voyages of British explorer, Henry Hudson, the venue’s bold decor strikes a harmonious chord with the bar’s experimental cocktail menu – masterminded by renowned mixologist, Ryan Chetiyawardana.
Created by Morgan Hotel Group’s in-house design team, alongside international architecture and design firm, Rottet studio, this 3000ft² space does not shy away from its rock and roll design influences.
Indeed, from the pink-trimmed Lee Broom chair fixed to the ceiling, to the custom-made graffiti rug adorning the central space, the bar’s eclectic lighting and furnishings have been carefully selected to create a sense of impact and drama.
Plush banquettes encircle an intimate sunken living room space, while a colour palette of green, bronze and gold shades resonate throughout the bar.
Texture was key to the brief, and the design team has incoporated a diverse array of materials – from wood, to metal and velvet – in order to create contrasting points of visual interest.
Despite this radical transformation, many aspects of the interior pay homage to the original space. The backlit chartreuse floor tiling, for example, adds a touch of nostalgia, while the iconic Francesco Clemente ceiling fresco has been carefully restored to its former glory.
“We were thrilled for the opportunity to breathe new life into such an iconic space,” explains Verena Haller, senior vice-president of design at Morgans Hotel Group. “We wanted to bring in daring and bold decor elements, while paying tribute to the venue’s heritage by restoring key pieces.
“The sunken living room transformed the dynamic of the space, creating a more seductive lounge-like ambiance that encourages guests to socialise and imbibe. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome, and the feedback we’ve received from guests who love the space.”
