visual display create a curiously cosy interior for secret cocktail bar 'mr. simon'

visual display, a brand + interior design agency, has completed a curiously cosy interior for a secret cocktail bar in udine, northeastern italy. called ‘mr. simon – botanico alchimista’, the bar is hidden away in a secret location. only by making a reservation will you be provided with an address and access code, which changes daily. even then, actually finding the place isn’t that easy. admission to the mysterious bar is through the bathroom of a neighbouring business, hidden away in the back of a broom closet. 

the bar, called mr. simon, is located in udine in northeastern italy
images by virginie foubert photography, courtesy of visual display

now while all of this may seem like a bit much just to get a stiff drink, it fits in perfectly with the concept of the bar. mr. simon’s is imagined as the personal home of an esteemed botanical alchemist who has travelled the world collecting curiosities, tinctures and recipes for his sizeable menu of artisanal cocktails. like the living room of a grand explorer, the interior of the bar is furnished with an eclectic array of velvet chairs and couches that represent a variety of worldly styles. the aesthetic is one of well worn luxury, and provides a fresh twist on some classic styles.

hidden in a secret location, the bar is accessed through the broom closet of a neighbouring restaurant 

staying more or less true to the flair of the 1930s, visual display has filled mr. simon’s with a bricolage of furnishings and ephemera. a deep blue hue defines the walls of the main space and lends a cosy aura to the room. assorted picture frames crowd the walls, and mix-matched rugs line the floor, adding to the ‘antique store’ feel of mr. simon’s personal collection.

a deep blue hue defines the main interior 

high backed stools sit at the bar where patrons can either select a drink from mr. simon’s curated menu, or request an improvised concoction. souvenirs from the globetrotter’s travels perch next to the myriad bottles of alcohol, punctuating the interior with stories of a different world.  

collected ephemera hint at mr. simon’s various worldly excursions

the wallpaper of the main corridor recalls the clouds of an old-style globe, and speaks to the ‘well traveled’ narrative behind the concept. the refined aesthetic is exaggeratedly realized in the bathrooms however, where mirrored tiles create a dazzling, prismatic effect that isn’t dissimilar to stumbling upon a chest of diamonds. 

patrons can either order from the menu, or request an improvised concoction 

drinks are served in an assorted of different cups and tumblers

the aesthetic is one of well worn luxury

the wallpaper recalls the clouds of an old-style globe

mirrored tiles in the bathroom create a prismatic effect… 

…that isn’t dissimilar to stumbling upon a trove of diamonds

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: peter corboy | designboom