ASIA DESIGNER COMMUNICATION PLATFORM

The newest F&B concept to open in Hong Kong heritage site Tai Kwun, The Magistracy by Black Sheep Restaurants and Joyce Wang Studio is an evocative homage to heritage architecture and quintessential London restaurants.

In Hong Kong’s Central district, Tai Kwun is a cluster of 16 heritage buildings that date back to the mid-19th century and include some of the earliest structures built under British colonial rule. Since 2018, the site has been a hub for events and artistic and cultural programmes as well as cafes and restaurants.

In 2020, Hong Kong-based F&B group Black Sheep Restaurants undertook what might be one of the complex’s most ambitious — and majestic — revitalisations. Completed in 1914, the Central Magistracy, once known as Hong Kong's Supreme Court and a Declared Monument since 1995, has been transformed into The Magistracy, the newest concept to join the restaurant group’s impressive portfolio.

Designed by the award-winning Joyce Wang Studio, the new concept is set to open in three phases, the first one comprising The Magistracy Dining Room and the Botanical Garden, which opened to the public in late 2022.

Stepping into the former courtroom, there’s a majestic aura that fills the space — a solemn character expressed by the high vaulted ceilings and ornate dark timber panels that echo the structure’s historical significance. ‘The space lent itself to a stately presence,’ says designer Joyce Wang. ‘There was something gritty about it, a grand dining room just felt right.’

The main challenge of the project, Wang explains, was that the building’s main architectural elements — including the ceiling, walls, timber floor and three arched doors — had to remain untouched. Within this framework, her approach focused on understanding the space’s existing features and extending them with respect.

Framing the room are six columns that were built to house air conditioning units, while existing mouldings and fringe details on the vault were preserved and carried over to the walls. ‘I wanted to preserve the historical fabric of the space and its function as a courthouse, and turn it into a timeless, classic dining institution where people from all generations could come,’ Wang explains.

Taking cues from the opulent decor of traditional London restaurants, curved oxblood leather banquettes — evoking Chesterfield armchairs — and warm golden accent lamps create plush dining alcoves. Full-length curtains, custom tapestries and handwoven rugs add a spark of drama, while artworks from Texas-based artist RF Alvarez, playful cushions and fresh flowers in antique chinoiserie vases soften the space. Adjacent to the kitchen, a timber spiral staircase matching the room’s original timber elements rises up to an intimate semi-private dining mezzanine.

A checkerboard marble platform leads out to the Botanical Garden, an outdoor gin bar nestled among lush green foliage that sits on a terrace bordering Tai Kwun’s courtyard. Ivy, hydrangeas and ferns envelop intimate arrangements of marble tables surrounded by lanterns and umbrellas, forming a leafy oasis reminiscent of British heritage gardens.

Conceived over the course of two years, the theatrical interiors remain a work in progress as more details are added to complete the space’s transportive atmosphere — a skilful mix of storytelling, drama and humour that’s the magical equation to every Black Sheep restaurant. ‘To be honest, we’re still figuring it out as we go,’ Wang shares. ‘Every time I come, I think of new details we could add to the space. It all feels organic and that’s where the concept’s unique humour comes in.’

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▪ Source: design anthology｜https://design-anthology.com/story/history-and-drama-meet-at-the-magistracy

▪ Words: Nina Milhaud

▪ Photography Credit: ©Edmon Leong

History and Drama Meet at The Magistracy