The career trajectory of JJ Acuña reads like a global odyssey—one that stretches from a quiet Texas suburb to the skylines of Hong Kong and, most recently, Manila. Across each locale, he honed an approach he calls “spatial DNA”. It’s a bespoke methodology that weaves client aspirations, cultural context, and intuitive materiality into environments that […]
The Village Bar: A New Speakeasy in Salcedo, Makati
The Wildflour Hospitality Group has seen a major expansion throughout their 12 years in the industry. With 5 restaurant brands and over 16 outposts all over the metro, they’re really sticking to their tagline “Rising like flour”. Their latest is a hybrid setup in Salcedo featuring Pink’s Hotdogs and Pizza Sisters and is so much more than meets the eye.
A Modern Tavern with a Hidden Gem
It’s all regular programming in the front. The facade in a muted blue hides an al fresco seating area with plants and hanging ferns. Terracotta floor tiles lead you towards a glass wall ushering you inside what feels like a modern tavern. Dim lights, dark grey walls, black leather banquette seating, a brick counter and checkered flooring define the space. An archway opens up to a room equipped with large screen televisions where patrons can enjoy watching their favorite sports.
The magic of this place lies behind the thick black curtain at the end of the hallway where the speakeasy called Village Bar lies. Design studio Ladrilyo wanted the space to feel welcoming yet distinct from each other. They incorporated Persian rugs, a mix of cushioned seating, and vintage pieces all throughout.
Ladrilyo’s founder Carol Karthe says, “The interiors were made rustic and cozy by using vintage furniture and featuring dim lighting, old dark woods, dark ceiling and walls, and charming compact bars. This fully meets the requisites for comfort and familiarity.”
The building’s low ceilings were a challenge for this space. To address this, Karthe chose to elevate some seating spaces to create depth. The ceiling, adorned in decorative tile painted black creates an illusion that the ceiling is higher than it really is. A white hexagon tile pattern on the floor defines the spaces, subtly compartmentalizing the different seating areas.
Brick walls or walls clad in distressed and weathered wood planks combine with furniture sourced from second-hand vintage stores. “Waste is something I’ve always avoided. What’s left over is always reused and repurposed,” Karthe explains.
Embracing the Outdoors
Situated beside a creek, Karthe took advantage of the property’s location by adding a long patio area that lined with windows and verdant plants. Black and white checkered flooring bring a brightness to the space. It’s a refreshing space to enjoy a cocktail. “It’s in this semi-outdoor terrace that is quite soothing because it has an open view of the back creek area. A lot of natural light and lights from the street lamps come through in this space. It has a feel of a greenhouse and offers an immersive and unconventional experience,” she adds.
At the far end of the Village Bar, wooden coffered ceilings paired with wooden wainscoting on the walls create an elegant and cozy atmosphere. Framed black and white photos of rock stars such as Freddie Mercury and Elvis Presley line the walls. A pair of Savonarola chairs sit in the corner by the window. Village Bar does a good job in making you forget you’re in the middle of Salcedo village in Makati. Every sitting area has its own personality. “Each space has different characteristics and purposes, and I believe all of them are very identifiable,” she says.
Unmistakably On Brand
Karthe made sure that her design didn’t depart from the Wildflour brand’s existing look and feel. This 345 square meter outpost still feels very much part of the family of brands by Wildflour Hospitality Group with elegant, masculine touches. “The rustic Wildflour design has been preserved but I made sure that the modern needs and elevated sense of aesthetics were not overlooked,” she continues. “The clients are the heart of every project. If we designers listen to them carefully, we can create a space for enriching exchange.”
Village Bar in Salcedo offers an engaging space for a good time, whether you enjoy your drinks with premium hotdogs from Pink’s or an assortment of pies from Pizza Sisters.
Photographed by Jar Concengco.
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