Noir, the new nightlife spot and lounge bar at Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, opened its doors to the public late last year.

The venue, formerly known as The 1897, has taken visual cues from the 1920’s New York art deco style.

“The initial design brief was to create a luxurious lounge bar that set a new precedent in design quality and service within the market. The design focuses on the spatial planning to create intimate lounge settings and a general focus on the bar as an integral feature to the lounge area,” says Bassos Design managing director James Bassos.

Bassos Design, in association with architectural firm, Aukett Fitzroy Robinson International, was entrusted to deliver the goods. “The design of the space provided unique challenges, whilst also providing opportunities to explore the interior design and use of the spaces,” says Bassos.

“Another challenge was that the lounge bar was designed and constructed whilst the hotel was still in operation, which meant construction and design elements had to be transported to the hotel and installed with minimal disruption.
“There was an opportunity to increase the bar lounge area and also utilise an existing exterior space to create a new outdoor entertainment area, with a focus on a large glass window behind the bar, looking out onto a stunning fire place and movie screen on the terrace,” Bassos explains.

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He’s particularly pleased with the central light chandelier that consists of more than 1,000 custom smoke glass filaments central to the bar area. “Another highlight is the embroidered wall paper around the seating areas, with a peacock pattern design. A final standout feature is the level of detail in the design, to the bespoke glass column cladding and finally, the hand cut and laid stone pattern flooring.”

The art work and accessories were all custom-selected either locally or internationally. The cocktails are a signature of the venue created by a New York mixologist. The bar menu also offers Latin American and Asian fusion food offerings. With a custom VIP room and its interiors, Noir is targeting a sophisticated clientele, both locally and internationally.

The former 1897 was shut for a short period and Bassos explains that the refurb and rebrand took no more than eight months “with extensive time spent on concept development and also detailing to design items”.