Photos: Art deco-style lounge inspired by Howard Hughes gears up for its opening in Coal Harbour
Howard Hughes has an odd connection to Vancouver—he stayed at the Westin Bayshore (then known as the Bayshore Inn) for six months in 1972, for unknown reasons.
The Coal Harbour hotel is now preparing to open an upscale lounge inspired by the American aviation enthusiast and eccentric billionaire tomorrow (November 18).
HJU:Z Lounge (1601 Bayshore Drive), which is pronounced Hughes, will feature an extensive libation list, globally inspired culinary creations, as well as live entertainment.
The art deco-space was designed by LIV Interiors, which showcases velvet upholstery, gold brass accents, marbled tables, a custom bar, and a chandelier made with imported bohemian glass—think old Hollywood glamour meets modernist architecture.
Howard Hughes once took a 91-hour trip around the world to destinations like New York, Paris, Russia, and the west coast. This new lounge will be serving up cocktails inspired from his globe-trotting, which include creations like Foshay Tower (Hayman’s Old Tom, Akvavit, elderflower, and dill), Apple Jack Silver Fizz (apple brandy, cider, egg white, sugar, soda, and matchstick apple), and Redemption Sour (Tanqueray gin, sea buckthorn, lemon juice, orange bitters, vegan foamer, and an edible wafer).
In addition to cocktails, guests who visit the 155-seat lounge will be able to order French and Italian wine, rare cognacs, and champagne, among others.
The food menu also draws inspiration from Hughes’ travels, which feature items like abalone (garlic and herb baked, ponzu seaweed), Atlantic lobster trail (butter poached, pear puree, roasted cauliflower), lamb lollipop (Middle Eastern flavours and cucumber dip), and scrambled duck egg (Canadian sturgeon caviar and citrus whipped cream).
Those who have a sweet tooth will enjoy its desserts, such as the baked Alaska (cappuccino gelato, devil’s food cake with meringue) and banana nut fudge (rich banana ice cream with dark chocolate).
“HJU:Z Lounge was created as an homage to Mr. Howard Hughes and the extraordinary life he led,” said Philippe Grandbois, general manager and concept developer of HJU:Z Lounge, in a press statement. “Our food reflects the best of modern techniques with classic ideas, our cocktails take creativity to new heights, with unique blends, artistic garnishes, and hand-carved, branded ice cubes, while our space itself stuns with elaborate details.”
Live entertainment provided by Siegel Entertainment will be performing five nights a week. The lounge’s music roster will also change from time to time.
“Meticulous in his passions, we developed a beautiful waterfront, global concept that is unique to Vancouver,” said Grandbois. “We are thrilled to be setting an elevated offering for lounge business in the city and creating new life in the Coal Harbour community.”
Scroll through the photos below for a first look inside the beautiful space.
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