At the heart of our hospitality design philosophy lies the commitment to crafting distinctive and memorable dining experiences. As an integral part of this ethos, we want our team to actively engage with the local scene, delving into new venues and designs firsthand. These immersive experiences not only yield invaluable insights but also provide our staff with opportunities for personal and professional growth in their design endeavours.  

Recently, our talented H&E designers Zaed, Matt, and Johnny had the pleasure of exploring the vibrant whiskey venue, Bar Besuto. 

THE DESIGN  

Johnny: The venue’s interior design is meticulously crafted, successfully translating the brand experience through intricate joinery details, thoughtfully designed lighting, and a deliberate contrast between raw and refined materials. This careful selection of materials imparts a handcrafted quality, creating a sanctuary-like atmosphere that allows users to decompress and enjoy their drinks in a uniquely relaxing ambiance. 

Zaed: Taking cues from Japanese aesthetic, Besuto interior is timeless and modern. The clever spatial configuration within this compact space allows the venue to utilise each corner intimately. The simplicity in their design with clean lines, minimum styling and natural palettes, carries consistent and strong branding and appeal for the establishment. 

THE FOOD  

Matt: A small menu with limited bar food allows for a more intentional / curated experience. This selection of bar foods pair well with the unique array of themed cocktails and artisan Japanese whisky. We absolutely inhaled the Nori Fries and Wagyu Tartar. 

Johnny:   The portion sizes are ideal for pairing with drinks, and the house-made wasabi mayonnaise sauce accompanying the less salty chips left a lasting impression. An impressive culinary touch indeed! 

THE SERVICE  

Johnny: The staff members are not only friendly and well-versed in their knowledge of drinks but also incredibly easygoing, creating a laid-back and enjoyable atmosphere in the intimate bar setting. 

Matt: Although the staff was attentive and friendly, our orders were unfortunately forgotten twice. 

Zaed: I had a great experience with the service. The staff was attentive and displayed excellent knowledge about all the whisky selections available. 

THE BRANDING 

 Johnny: The venue’s branding stands out as a highly successful and exemplary representation of an authentic underground lane-way bar in Japan. It masterfully embodies the dark, organically imperfect aesthetic of Japanese wabi-sabi, extending its influence even to the detailed design of the menu. 

THE VERDICT  

This intimate bar is reminiscent of small izakaya found in the inky back streets of Tokyo, for this reason, Bar Besuto feels instantly nostalgic. A subdued and smoky atmosphere is heightened by a well-crafted fit-out reliant on linear geometries and mixtures of graphite and timber textures. Limited and friendly staffing adds to this sense of intimacy. The food, while simple bar food, appears unique due to a varied and surprising ingredient selection.