Introducing Kaiyo's little sibling

Izakaiyo, is a Japanese Whisky bar paying homage to the traditional Japanese Izakaya. Taking the secrets of the deep ocean inward, a new Kaiyo was born that celebrates late-night cocktails in an intimate lounge setting.

“After the success of Sushi Kaiyo, we knew we had to create something that was new and refreshing, but still referenced the concept of the flagship restaurant. Izakaiyo draws on the strength of the brand story, but brings with it a smokey and seductive new look" 

- Sophie, Lead Interior Designer

Challenges

The initial challenge for Izakaiyo was to carry through the soul of the flagship store Sushi Kaiyo whilst creating something new and inspired. Whilst the upper floors of the original venue are more restaurant-focused. This new venture was to take inspiration from the ground floor of the original venue, which focuses more on the cocktail and bar experience of Japanese nightlife. Thus Izakaiyo was born. Moody like the flagship, but with a more late-night feel.

The site handed to us was very long and skinny, and we tackled this by creating an impressively long bar, a signature to izakaya found throughout Japan. We also wanted to ensure that the venue could house different groups of people so fixed date tables to the far wall and designed more premium seating for groups in the back of the venue.

Our Approach - ‘Secrets of the Deep’

Exploring silhouettes from the ocean floor, organic details and diffused light brought the whisky bar to life. A curved timber suspended ceiling inspired by undulating coral provides a frame for the deep navy ceiling. Date tables are divided by smoked cathedral glass, providing a private setting for two beside the warm glow of the bar. The commanding Onyx back bar is lit from behind and provides an impressive draw card that acts as a beacon from the pedestrian walkway. It is framed by a bi-fold window that patrons can sit at which activates the facade line and draws people into this otherwise tucked-away venue.

The patron bar has been clad in an undulating dark stone, referencing the harsh weathering of rock and water. This commanding presence then leads your eye along the length of the restaurant, where private booths await. At the back, the banquettes are adorned in luxurious velvet and flanked by mirrored surfaces and brass-toned curtains.

The palette brings together rich navy, walnut timber, recessed lighting and brassy hues to make even the ocean floor feel warm and seductive yet treacherous and full of secrets. 

Results 

Izakaiyo is able to appeal to a new market segment separate from Sushi Kaiyo whilst also strengthening the brand overall. The whisky bar provides an exciting point of difference in an area that already has many eating spots but few areas to engage with nighttime culture and casual drinking. It's a subtle entry point for the Boga Group entering the bar sector whilst also building upon the Kaiyo brand. Izakaiyo achieves a level of luxurious moodiness without sacrificing the necessary warmth and an inviting atmosphere required for a great local bar.

All food and beverages images are courtesy of Sushi Kaiyo.