Dining Out in London, England
Imperial Treasure by Studio Liaigre is a mix of inspirations.
By Jorge S. Arango
LONDON, ENGLAND
Restaurant: Imperial Treasure, imperialtreasure.com
Architecture & Design: Archer Humphryes Architects, archerhumphryes.com
Design: Studio Liaigre,liaigre.com
Number of seats: 141
Chef: No single person
The 19th-century bank building at 7-10 Waterloo Place in the St. James district has been invaded by the Chinese and the French. Now home to Imperial Treasure, a Michelin-starred collection of eateries (this one specializing in Peking duck), it has been given chic new life by Frauke Meyer, creative director of the famous French luxury concern Studio Liaigre. As a landmarked building, architectural features had to remain intact. But within that, says Meyer, “was an opportunity for the Studio to demonstrate our taste for precision and great materials, and to mix English, Chinese, and French inspirations.”
The walls and spirit telegraph British 19th-century style. But, explains Meyer, “we chose to focus on stunning signature materials such as dark, tinted brushed oak, refined stones, and Sun onyx.” Liaigre also stitched together different colored leathers to upholster the dramatic banquettes, which recall mountain ranges in Chinese landscape paintings.
