F+B News | Hospitality Design

Backstage Zone Transforms a Hotel into a Cultural Destination

Stephanie Chen — Thu, 08 May 2025 13:30:21 +0000

Qarlbo Hospitality—the team behind LA ROQQA Hotel in Tuscany and ABBA Voyage in London—has introduced Backstage Zone, a new cultural and hospitality hub in Djurgården, Stockholm.

An extension of the 52-room Backstage Hotel, which opened two years ago, the latest addition transforms the boutique property into a fully immersive destination deeply rooted in music and the performing arts. Anchored by a brasserie, bar, and café, Backstage Zone channels the same behind-the-scenes energy that defines the hotel’s concept.

In the brasserie, classic dishes are reimagined with bold, contemporary twists, while the bar spins a laidback soundtrack of vinyl records alongside craft cocktails in a casually sophisticated setting. Sun-drenched and serene, the café offers a quieter rhythm for daytime gatherings over coffee and small plates.

Backstage Café

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Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas Unveils Hard Shake and Peacock Alley

Stephanie Chen — Wed, 07 May 2025 13:30:32 +0000

Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas has debuted its reimagined 23rd floor, home to the brand’s signature Peacock Alley and the new Hard Shake bar and lounge.

This transformation marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s multimillion-dollar renovation. (Previous enhancements include the revamp of all guestrooms and suites, over 15,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and the introduction of a ground-floor lobby, which was previously located on the 23rd floor.)

Hard Shake

Replacing the former SkyBar, Hard Shake exudes Old Hollywood allure with a modern twist.

Deep indigo banquettes, Art Deco accents, and a marbled dark stone bar framed by champagne brass give the space a sophisticated edge. Overhead, a gold-illuminated fixture casts a warm, moody glow.

Peacock Alley

Peacock Alley greets guests with an airy, stylish ambiance and sweeping views of the Las Vegas Strip. Upon entering from the elevator lobby, guests are greeted by the signature Clock at Peacock Alley, a statement timepiece that draws inspiration from desert sundials.

The focal point is a feather-shaped bar topped with a sculptural glass canopy, set against a custom mosaic tile floor. A clear-glass light fixture creates a dynamic, rhythmic pattern across the ceiling as well.

Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the lounge in natural light, while a palette of muted blues and grays create a soothing ambiance that transforms from day to night.

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Aria Group Designs STK Steakhouse’s Miami Location

Stephanie Chen — Tue, 06 May 2025 13:30:54 +0000

Aria Group has unveiled the interiors of a new STK Steakhouse outpost in Miami’s Aventura neighborhood.

Drawing inspiration from the city’s signature beach nightlife, the design embraces fluid indoor-outdoor transitions, with patios and balconies that blur the boundary between inside and out, fostering an energetic atmosphere from day to night.

A series of sculptural white ribbons lining the ceiling anchors the space and introduces dynamic movement overhead.

Below, a crisp white palette defines the seating, with curved banquettes that mirror the flow of the ceiling ribbons and versatile tables suited for both intimate dinners and larger groups.

The interior is punctuated by deep purple walls and accented with horn art installations, adding a layer of visual depth.

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Starlite Shines Anew in San Diego Thanks to Redesign

Stephanie Chen — Thu, 01 May 2025 13:30:42 +0000

San Diego’s iconic Starlite bar has opened its doors once again, unveiling a full-scale redesign led by Bells + Whistles.

Supported by local hospitality group CH Projects, the reimagining marks a meaningful return for Bells + Whistles. Starlite was the Los Angeles firm’s first project nearly two decades ago.

Unveiled in 2006, Starlite was conceived by Tim Mays and Matt Hoyt as a hybrid between a classic midcentury steakhouse and a casual neighborhood bar. Bells + Whistles founders Jason St John, Barbara Rourke, and Jason Lane were tapped to custom-fabricate every element, drawing inspiration from a cross-country road trip that included a stop at Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. The original design fused dramatic influences—from cathedral-like stalactite ceilings to nods to Frank Lloyd Wright, 1970s Italian futurism, and subtle references to Star Wars.

Starlite’s new chapter

For the Starlite revival, St John and Rourke revisited their initial concepts, approaching the restoration with a blend of experience and nostalgia. Creative partner and CH Projects founder Arsalun Tafazoli contributed to the process, encouraging a bold, unconstrained reimagining of the space.

The refreshed space pairs raw, cave-like rock walls with rich, tactile materials and custom details. At its heart, a sculptural hexagonal bar anchors the room beneath a cascading chandelier designed to evoke a constellation of stars, casting a soft, ethereal glow across the moody interiors.

Warm copper, walnut, and plush velvet elements layer Starlite with a grounded sense of luxury, while a mirrored ceiling amplifies the cavernous atmosphere. Bespoke touches—including a DJ booth wrapped in molten metal—add an artistic, otherworldly touch that result in an environment that feels both transportive and intimately familiar.

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Parisian Poise Meets Industrial Heritage at Bon Délire

Stephanie Chen — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 13:30:02 +0000

San Francisco’s dining scene has gained French bistro Bon Délire.

Set in a 1919 Beaux-Arts structure originally built for freight and riverboat support, the restaurant features a expertly layered design by locally based Studio Terpeluk that balances refined Parisian aesthetics with preserved industrial features.

The varied layers of Bon Délire

Studio Terpeluk leveraged the building’s original character by exposing timber-and-steel beams and retaining dramatic high ceilings with weathered wooden joists. Expansive, mullioned windows usher in ample daylight as well.

At the heart of the space sits a large, custom horseshoe bar clad in scalloped oak panels. The bar’s zinc top nods to classic Parisian bistros, while steel shelving displays softly illuminated French spirits, wine, and stemware. Bespoke teardrop-shaped ceramic planters infuse organic form and softness.

Raised banquette seating upholstered in green leather offers a comfortable vantage point for guests, paired with veined Paonazzo marble tabletops.

Underfoot, green mosaic marble flooring laid with wide joints creates a sense of movement, while fluted glass elements add texture and depth.

Light sets the tone

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the ambiance. Vintage Parisian school pendants, aligned with the building’s early 20th-century origin, cast a warm, intimate glow, as 1960s bubble pendants and sconces create playful, irregular shadows across Bon Délire.

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DubuHaus and Howoo Are Modern Homages To Korean Craft

Stephanie Chen — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 13:00:37 +0000

Two connected yet distinct dining destinations—DubuHaus and Howoo—have debuted across a 24,000-square-foot space in Midtown Manhattan.

Designed by Urimat Hospitality’s in-house team, each restaurant is an immersive experience that has reimagined Korean tradition for today.

DubuHaus tofu restaurant

DubuHaus, which specializes in handmade tofu, employs a modern minimalist sensibility that draws on the structural beauty of the hanok (a traditional Korean house).

On arrival, guests pass through a wood-clad area offering grab-and-go options to fuel the fast pace nature of the city. Adjacent, a serene waiting area—anchored by a display of octagonal Korean pottery housed behind translucent, hanji-inspired panels—invites quiet reflection.

A curated art corridor bridges guests to the main dining room, presenting a series of works inspired by Korea’s 12 seasonal ingredients. This transitional space serves as an educational and sensorial primer to the dining experience.

At the core of DubuHaus lies the open kitchen, or Dubu Lab, where diners can observe the tofu-making process in its entirety, reinforcing a deep respect for craft.

In the dining room, wooden lattice partitions nod to traditional folding screens in a contemporary context that balances privacy and openness. Overhead, a square grid ceiling motif nods to tofu molds and classic seokkarae rafters found in hanok structures.

Howoo Korean barbecue

Next door, Howoo delivers an intimate, ambient setting with a distinctly upscale edge.

Dim lighting, dark wood, and tactile stone evoke the warmth of a traditional Korean hearth. The sheen of matte brass and black steel, meanwhile, further enhance the visual appeal of the space.

A feature wall comprising Giwa roof tiles grounds the space in heritage, while the central bar, finished in deep emerald tile and brass, showcases glassware in softly lit alcoves.

Dining tables, crafted from solid wood, are arranged to foster both communal and private moments, and linear lighting and a signature red refrigerator situated at the butcher station provides visual punctuation.

Howoo’s private dining room achieves a sophisticated balance by blending slatted wood doors reminiscent of changhoji screens with gentle curves and ambient illumination.

In the coming months, Urimat Hospitality will introduce a third concept on the basement level of the shared space.

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Terracotta Abounds at Forefathers Restaurant and Bar

Stephanie Chen — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 20:24:12 +0000

Forefathers restaurant has opened in Hyderabad’s Jubilee Hills neighborhood, featuring interiors by 23 Degrees Design Shift, architecture from RE Associates, and outdoor landscaping by Studio Gaea.

The 6,700-square-foot venue consists of a trio of terracotta gable-roof canopies, enveloping a concrete-steel composite core that houses indoor and semi-open dining spaces across three levels.

Fragmented steel columns, reminiscent of branching trees, support the soaring canopies while introducing a sculptural dynamic. Square glass insets within the roof tiles punctuate the architecture, casting geometric shadows that evolve throughout the day and connect the interior to the changing light outside.

The journey through Forefathers

The spatial sequence orchestrates a dramatic guest experience. A monumental entry passage leads to the main volume, where a 40-foot peaked roof creates a vibrant stage for music and split-level dining.

The integration of mezzanines and a visually open bar area enhances social flow, while glass walls segue into a semi-open backyard. Here, terraced seating modules, interspersed with lush landscaping and water features, foster privacy without physical dividers and an organic interaction with nature.

A uniform material palette

Traditional materials that allude to the concept of “forefathers” lie at the heart of the restaurant’s design ethos. Handmade bricks, terracotta tiles, and fly ash brickwork speak to the region’s legacy of craftsmanship, while their application—via contemporary structural techniques—signals a dialogue between past and present. The concept also embodies a paradox of simplicity and complexity—minimalism is achieved through unified materials, while intricacy is introduced through detailed brick patterns.

A centerpiece of the design is a sculptural installation, conceptualized by Baaya Design Studio, featuring fabric cubes that highlight the rich traditional crafts of Telangana, including Kalamkari, Pochampally, and leather puppetry.

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The Hampton Social Launches Four-Story Venue in Dallas

Stephanie Chen — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 12:30:24 +0000

Global design consultancy Harrison has unveiled the Hampton Social Dallas, a four-story dining and social destination from Parker Hospitality.

Located in the Texas city’s historic downtown district at Pegasus Plaza, the 17,224-square-foot venue is housed within a restored 1916 building. As part of the adaptive reuse, the design team preserved and revitalized the building’s original terracotta façade, adding new signage and bold blue window frames to create a modern contrast while honoring the structure’s century-old heritage.

Inside the Hampton Social Dallas

The Hampton Social Dallas unfolds across four levels, each offering a distinct experience. The ground-floor restaurant and bar features an indoor-outdoor layout with a park-facing façade that fully opens to Pegasus Plaza. The second level offers a more intimate dining setting, while the third floor is designed for vibrant, cocktail-forward socializing. In the basement, a members-only lounge provides a refined and private escape.

Guided by a design narrative rooted in the feeling of long summer days on the East Coast, the interiors combine light, coastal textures with urban elements. Whitewashed wood, woven textiles, and rope detailing are balanced by exposed brick and raw steel, resulting in a casual yet elevated aesthetic. The layered palette reflects both the warmth of seaside hospitality and the character of the building’s urban context.

“Hampton Social has always been rooted in a thoughtfully curated, welcoming atmosphere,” says Keith Anderson, global CEO of Harrison. “With this location, our team had the opportunity to build on that strong foundation, preserving the brand’s signature beachfront inspired aesthetic while refining the design with a mix of coastal and elevated materials, rich textures, zoned social seating, and carefully considered lighting, providing an approachable experience, while maintaining the breezy, celebratory Hampton Social vibe.”

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Nobu To Bring Its Hospitality Concepts to Egypt

Stephanie Chen — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 13:30:45 +0000

Nobu is set to debut its first hospitality concept in Egypt this summer within developer SODIC’s Eastown District New Cairo (EDNC).

Spanning nearly 160,000 square feet, EDNC blends luxury retail, gourmet dining, and immersive entertainment. At its center, Nobu’s refined style and acclaimed Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine will debut, followed by a Nobu hotel in early 2027. The property will feature a pool, spa, gym, and versatile amenity rooms.

Nobu New Cairo restaurant

Inspired by Egypt’s desert landscapes, pyramids, and artisanal traditions, the space will integrate natural materials, precious metals, and geometric motifs that reflect the artistry of both cultures.

Spanning 23,680 square feet, the two-story restaurant will accommodate up to 300 guests. Visitors will arrive through a dramatic entry sequence marked by double-height split-stone walls, lush greenery, and bonsai trees that create a serene transition into the expansive interior.

A sculptural limestone sushi bar, installed in the heart of the space, anchors the design concept, complemented by a suspended, glowing installation above. The main dining room features limestone-clad columns with intricate, backlit mashrabiya patterns, while a dark mirrored ceiling adds depth and drama.

The first floor also includes a feature bar and an exclusive cigar lounge. A grand staircase leads to a private dining room and flexible event space upstairs, where gold-toned walls and charcoal wood paneling set a sophisticated tone.

Looking further ahead, Nobu will expand with a hotel, residences, and restaurant in SODIC’s upcoming Ogami development in Ras El Hekma on the pristine North Coast of Egypt.

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Little James Opens at the Ann Savannah

Stephanie Chen — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 13:00:16 +0000

The Ann Savannah, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy has introduced Little James, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant designed by INC Architecture & Design.

Little James’ inviting design

Embracing Savannah’s reputation as the Hostess City of the South, Little James offers an all-day dining experience in a space that blends rich textures and inviting hues.

A wraparound bar anchors the restaurant, shifting seamlessly from a daytime café to a lively nighttime social hub.

The design takes cues from juleps and jewel tones, with an airy green exposed ceiling, sage floral wallpaper framed by white oak bullnose, and a grid of suspended pendant lights that enhance intimacy. A custom wood screen, inspired by Savannah’s historic shutters, subtly divides the space while maintaining an open flow as well.

Graphic elements nod to the city’s founder, General James Edward Oglethorpe, incorporating cropped antique imagery that bridges Savannah’s past and present.

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