Where Serenity Meets Sweetness: Discovering the Oriental Charm of The Mandarin Cake Shop
In the heart of Guangzhou, where the city's pulse beats strongest, The Mandarin Cake Shop stands as a serene sanctuary, marrying the elegance of the Orient with the grace of the West.
A sophisticated retail and dining atmosphere crafted by CCD/Cheng Chung Design (HK), this 430 m² patisserie housed within the Mandarin Oriental offers more than just delectable pastries—it presents an immersive cultural experience.
From the moment one steps through the grand entrance, inspired by the fan—a symbol of the Mandarin Oriental that resonates with the Chinese character for goodness—a journey begins. This is not just a passage into a shop but a stepping stone into a realm where time slows down, allowing one to savour the beauty of oriental culture interwoven with modern creativity.
From the luxurious displays to the jewel-like showroom housing the exquisite pastries like works of art, the Mandarin Cake Shop draws guests into an immersive experience.
Pastries are showcased like precious jewels.
The lush greenery that greets visitors is a prelude to the oasis within. A serene garden experience unfolds, with the Mandarin Cake Shop at its heart, surrounded by verdant foliage and bathed in warm sunlight. Here, the city's hustle and bustle fades into a whisper, and the aroma of plants mingles with the scent of fresh pastries, providing a sensory balm that soothes the soul.
CCD's design philosophy shines through the interior, where light and shadow play across the floors, enhancing the spatial hierarchy and focusing attention on the exquisite cakes on display. With French-style curves and antique rust-proof dark bronze, the display cabinets articulate a dialogue between historical richness and modern purity.
The art within the Mandarin Cake Shop does more than decorate—it tells a story. Drawing inspiration from Thomas Allom's illustrations of Lingnan gardens, the interior design weaves a tapestry of rocks, water, plants, and architecture, creating a narrative that transcends centuries. The featured scroll of paintings celebrates charming Lingnan gardens, dissolving boundaries and infusing the space with cultural significance and artistic beauty.
Every corner of the shop exudes a romantic ambiance, from the oriental screens and artistic paintings to the intricate patterns on the indoor floor tiles, which echo authentic Lingnan cultural elements. This is a space designed not just for the pleasure of taste but for the nourishment of the spirit.
The bar area, with its proportionate lines and interwoven volumes, is a testament to CCD's commitment to craftsmanship and ingenuity. It resonates with Lingnan culture yet whispers of modern, understated luxury. The bespoke bar counter and cabinet, simple and functional, harmonize with the space, underlining the shop's dedication to the finest experiences.
Beyond the public spaces, the private VIP rooms offer a retreat where the minimalistic design fosters a romantic and relaxing atmosphere. Adorned with more of Allom's illustrations and benefiting from the dynamic play of light through window lattices, these rooms provide an enriched perspective that is both dynamic and serene.
Private VIP rooms indulge guests with artwork, both culinary and painterly.
In the Mandarin Cake Shop, the walls, intentionally undecorated, stand in contrast with drapes and decorative lines, capturing the essence of Oriental Lingnan culture while articulating a contemporary narrative of Lingnan. This is where tradition meets modernity, where every detail is a brushstroke in a grand painting of Eastern heritage and luxury.
Located at No. 389 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, this project by Taikoo Hui Guangzhou, completed in August 2023, represents more than a destination for fine pastries. It is a cultural statement, a space that encompasses the harmony between nature and architecture, between the gustatory and the aesthetic, a place that offers a sweet respite in the rhythm of one of China's most vibrant cities.
Guests can admire the curated artwork positioned above each table as they savour the scrumptious pastries.
PROJECT DETAILS
Project Name: The Mandarin Cake Shop
Client: Taikoo Hui Guangzhou
Project Location: No. 389 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
Entrance design: CCD / Cheng Chung Design (HK)
Cake shop design: CCD / Cheng Chung Design (HK)
Decoration design: CCD / Cheng Chung Design (HK)
Lighting design: CCD / Cheng Chung Design (HK)
Project area: 430 m²
Completion time: August 2023
Photography: BORIS, Jack Qin
Photo copyright: CCD / Cheng Chung Design (HK)