AB Concept: Mei Ume
AB Concept has launched Mei Ume, their first project in London, raising the bar for design restaurants in the Square Mile. Mei Ume now stands alongside Anne-Sophie Pic’s La Dame de Pic London as the two flagship dining establishments at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square.
Situated in the historic 1922 headquarters of the Port of London Authority, the name Mei Ume combines the Chinese and Japanese terms for ‘plum blossom’ and reflects a blend of Eastern and Western traditions. Drawing from the building’s past as a trading hub for commodities such as tea, silk, and ceramics, Ed and Terence, who have extensive experience in luxury hospitality design, drew inspiration from its history for their design.
"We have been honoured to be trusted with a project that is rich with history and heritage. As our first project in the UK, Mei Ume at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square marks a very important milestone for us, and we have truly enjoyed working on keeping a legacy," stated Ed Ng of AB Concept. “As someone who grew up in Hong Kong, a melting pot of Eastern and Western cultures, I found this project particularly interesting as it presented us with the challenge of how to represent this delicately and sensitively."
Upon entering, guests are greeted by a stunning screen crafted using an enamel paint technique on glass adorned with vibrant plum blossoms. This screen is suspended from two metal columns designed with porthole motifs, reflecting the aesthetic found throughout the restaurant. Strategically located at the reception, this artwork symbolizes the fusion of Eastern and Western elements, inviting guests to feel transported to another time
The main dining area features striking red accents, a consistent theme throughout the establishment signifying happiness and celebration in Chinese culture. A red lacquer frame encapsulates a remarkable three-layer gilded triptych at the heart of the restaurant, with each panel narrating a unique story through a multi-layer painting method combined with glass overlays, offering viewers different perspectives based on their viewing angle. On the opposite wall, another artwork employs the same layered painting technique and illustrates a market scene from China’s Song Dynasty, dating back to AD 960.
With all original columns from the 1922 building preserved, Ed and Terence embraced the challenge of maintaining the existing mouldings while revamping them with contemporary flair and functionality. Intricate metal motifs adorn each column, from which three halo structures are suspended, creating intimate alcoves for diners seeking seclusion. The English heritage of this Grade II listed property is echoed through custom table lamps that line the large bronze-framed windows facing the hotel’s courtyard.
The bar features a pavilion-like covering and is illuminated by custom lanterns designed with black metal frames and patterned glass. Adjacent to the bar, a semi-private dining area is separated by hand-painted panels with silk embroidery, subtly modernised with distinctive black and white brushstrokes resembling bamboo. These bamboo designs impart strength and craft a poetic dining ambiance reminiscent of a bamboo forest.
