A nostalgic revival

“The 'old factory' veneer is designed so that you'll be shocked and surprised by the glamour and sophistication once you enter,” explained Frank Chen, co-owner of the Frank & Drew International Design House responsible for the construction of The Den, the newest and most private lounge in town.

Inside, it is almost like the Warholian Factory, only modernized and minus the tinfoil. A mock fireplace, antique lamps and rough brick walls are a sharp contrast to the cool planes of mirrors and long shards of glass that dangle from the ceiling. Colorful, modern sofas and leather couches surround the same tables.

“The idea is to be retro and modern at the same time,” said Chen. “We like the contrast of the rough and sleek. We've combined all aspects of post-modernism, modernism, and general elegance to the atmosphere.”

Evoking past atmosphere is central to the creation of The Den. Currently, there are several clubs and bars that the societal elite frequent, but rarely one in which they all converge.

Back in the 90s, there was only one venerated lounge that the who's who of Taiwan's entertainment industry were willing to be caught dead in, and that was the aptly named, “OD.”

The OD, although relatively small in space, used to attract long lines full of familiar faces. It was said to be private and cozy, not loud and obnoxious like places today. After it was forced to close, many bars have tried to replicate its success, to no avail.

In a way, The Den is the revival of OD, with exclusivity as one of its main features. Whereas anyone over 18 is free to roam Barcode, Room18, and 18 Lover, only “special guests” and the friends of said guests have access to the new bar.

One-way mirrors have been included in the design, where revelers from within have a window view of the balcony, yet the people outside see only their own reflections.

“It is private and elegant,” said Chen. “It is the combination of classic and modern elements that makes The Den so unique.”

The same can be said for its target audience, who may be lifelong VIP card-carrying members or new up-and-comers. These people may have been past patrons of the OD or too young to know it existed. Either way, they are public people who need private space. And now they have it.

Barcode's new balcony and pool tables

Chen is also responsible for renovating Barcode's balcony area and its interiors.

“We tried to create an 'inside-outside' illusion by making the balcony more confined and by placing plants near the pool table area to make it more 'outdoorsy,” he said.

Plastic chairs in the area can be freely moved around to increase fluidity. More pool tables have also been installed. “It's proved to be a popular attraction that allows customers to interact with each other, a tool that gives different groups a chance to mingle,” said Matt Chang, Manager of Barcode.

Rejuvenation for Room 18 and 18 Lover

18 Lover has undergone its own transformation: it's been scribbled red with passion. “All the wood used was recycled from our last design,” said Chen. The designer retained 18 Lover's red-and-black theme and created the busy woodwork in order to infuse a feel of “nature” with the natural element of wood to the club.

Room 18 has been remodeled with numerous circular pods as booths that surround an oval dance floor. An exclusive section is added with a separate entrance and private bathroom for VIP guests.

Barcode / The Den (5F), Room 18 / 18 Lover (B1)

No. 88, Songren Rd. (Neo19) Taipei City

台北市信義區松壽路88號 (Neo19) 五樓和B1

(02) 2345-2778

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