Yau picks Kengo Kuma for restaurant

Restaurateur Alan Yau has selected Japanese architect Kengo Kuma to design his forthcoming Japanese restaurant concept, Cha Cha no Hana, opening in central London in February next year.


In a move away from Yau’s previous collaborations on graphic design with North and Bibliotheque, the venue will employ Japanese graphic designer Kenya Hara for art direction and graphics on what could prove to be one of his most ambitious projects. A lighting designer is yet to be appointed.


Cha Cha no Hana will replace London eatery Shumi on St James’s Street, inside a Modernist interior annexed to the Grade II-listed Economist Building. The interior blueprint is yet to be drawn up, but it will take ‘the spirit of traditional Japanese craft, materials and details to realise an introspective and retrospective environment,’ says Yau.

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