It was one of the most memorable experiences at Flower Drum in more than 40 years, an iconic debut. The grand dining room, the bustling dining hall in warm hues and the formally dressed waiters are familiar scenes. This restaurant experience has been redefined by Studio 103's luxurious front desk bar, which provides a rich environment for guests to enjoy a few drinks before or after their meal.

Flower Drum, a traditional dance known for its beauty and elegance, has long been an allegory for the restaurant, reflecting its exquisite cuisine and good manner of service. In the task of creating a new bar, lounge and reception area, Studio 103 was keen to elevate this sentiment, looking for new opportunities for expression to enhance Flower Drum's reputation as one of Melbourne's finest traditional restaurants.

The front bar dramatically reinterprets huagu's signature reds, jade greens and golds, grafting the new additions onto the existing dining room. The opulent wine bar, decorated with glazed green tiles, is surrounded by lush red flannelette booths that form comfortable corners for dining and living. Aureate chain net curtain is enveloped all round, downy lamplight brought mellow candlelight quality to the space.

In the tradition of Flower Drum, wooden screens and soft jade green Chinese-style wallpaper bring a rich sense of decoration. The green tones of the wallpaper provide a tonal reference to the existing patterned glass tiles in the dining room, which have been thoughtfully repurposed to feature panelling in the wooden wall panels of the bar. The restaurant's wine collection is gallery-style in custom solid brass and recessed glass wine cabinets, reaffirming Flower Drum's belief in combining fine food, fine wine and impeccable service.

The combined effect of these touches speaks to the timeless and much-loved character of the Flower Drum, while also adding a new dimension to the experience, a proposal that has both new and old customers looking forward to following several years of disruptive developments in Melbourne's hotel industry. The front bar at Flower Drum, dimly lit and alluring and inspired, sets a new rhythm for the institution, encouraging diners to settle in and stay a little longer.