MEI LI is an energetic, modern and exhilarating lifestyle space, infused with cultural references regarding China’s history and opulent elements of the Beijing opera. Mei Li’s design inspiration stems from the most popular dishes served at the imperial places of old Beijing, which slowly trickled down into the narrow streets of China.

As guests step into the bar they are met with a predominant blue theme leading into the main dining area fit with blue timber flooring. The blue upholstered seating offers elegance and a sense of togetherness, paired with an artisanal ox-bone table-top bar, providing a place to mingle pre-dinner. The bar features crystal screens resembling traditional Chinese six-panelled screens along with an array of pendant lights inspired by elements of Chinese opera. Next to the bar area, the dining room features a peking duck display station, a desert library, and a beggar’s chicken station. In the main dining room, chairs and sofa cushions tie into the blue colour palette, creating a holistic visual and providing a sense of design continuity throughout the space. Guests enter a grandiose red themed dining room, celebrating the Chinese heritage. The dining room is highlighted by red lacquer walls and ceilings, creating contrast with the charcoal grey stone flooring. A statement chandelier evokes the presence of ‘dan’, the female role in Peking opera. Further into the dining room is a transparent private dining area, featuring embroidery panels in the shape of a birdcage, offering a sense of privacy yet openness.

The initial inspiration for the project sprung from the opulent design of the infamous Peking Opera. One of AB Concept’s biggest challenges was ensuring that these defining elements of history and craftsmanship were accurately represented. The designers were able to find many innovative ways of weaving this narrative into the project, from the crystal bar screens, to pendant lights inspired by aspects of the opera and a the chandelier in the central dining room which evokes the presence of ‘dan’ as the female role in the Peking Opera. The central colour palette, featuring rich red lacquers and atmospheric blues, was also key to ensuring the impact of Mei Li’s cultural identity, paying homage to an identifiable aspect of China’s traditional legacy.

The restaurant features two entrances, one for guests arriving from street-level and one dedicated to guests entering from the Grand Hyatt hotel, this combined access ensures that the restaurant is accessible to both the local community and staying guests. This communal approach is further evidenced in the restaurant layout which is designed to encourage social interaction, whilst still ensuring each area conveys a unique dining experience, from the cocktail bar through to the peking duck station.