Already fertile meeting grounds of Lisbon‘s creative community, the historic inner city neighbourhood of Santos-o-Velho has seen a contemporary boost with the arrival of Lulu. The watering hole, part of local events and hospitality firm Wallis Simpson Group, occupies a 170 sqm. (1,830 sq.ft.) space on the ground floor of a 19th-century building. The interior design, created by Portuguese architecture and design practice DC.AD, is inspired by Louise Brooks (1906-1985), an irreverent actress, dancer and style icon who reigned supreme in Hollywood during the 1920s and 1920s – mind you, Lulu is one of the American star’s many nicknames – but also by Art Deco, the ruling art and design movement of that specific era. Aesthetic characteristics have been reinterpreted and captured by modern materials and a contrasting colour palette, resulting in alluring settings vaguely reminiscent of South Beach highlife.
The geometric patterns of the natural stone floor, the rhythmic lacquered wooden slats and the multifaceted surfaces in coloured mirror add various dimensions of graphic, luminous and sensorial intensity. Lulu not only comprises a bar area with seating and a restaurant, both lofty and light spaces, and the latter doubles as a dance floor at night. Furnishings include metal chairs, either in electric pink or green, paired with tables with marbled tops, in addition to benches and stools for the bar. A large doorway, adorned with strips of neon lights, leads to a staircase and restrooms, all designed in a matching style. Lulu‘s menu is anchored by a series of cocktails, all named after outstanding women like Brooks, and gourmet snacks, such as cod tempura, oysters and a duck waffle with quail egg and honey syrup. From Thursday to Saturday resident deejays rule the dance floor till late at night.
Lulu
Calçada Ribeiro Santos 31 (Santos-o-Velho)
1200-769 Lisbon
Telephone: +351 91 6818955
Tue-Sat 6pm-2am
Publishers Note
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