As any leading capital city, Moscow is one big creative lab where trends and innovations come as fast as they go. On top of that, having been pampered with an abundance of lifestyle options in the past three decades, there’s now also a savvy demographic whose whims need to be taken into account when setting up shop. Hospitality entrepreneurs Timur Abuzyarov and Roman Vorotnikov have launched a string of eateries and watering holes across the Russian capital that have resonated very well with the aforementioned target group, and their latest concept, called Tyler The Bar, turned out to be their biggest challenge so far. The bar and restaurant occupy 250 sqm. (2,691 sq.ft.) spread across a ground floor and mezzanine level of an early 20th century neoclassical building in the downtown district of Kitay Gorod, just a few blocks away from the iconic Red Square.

The owners once again collaborated with Moscow-based practice V12 Architects to transform the stripped and raw premises into a welcoming space, while also taking advantage of its given assets, notably the large-sized period windows. Architects Evgeniy Shchetinkin and Leeza Semionova set out to create a contemporary yet timeless setting, marrying the building’s original elements with modern interventions. The dimensions of the aforementioned windows are a focal point in the design, and they’ve been accentuated by huge arches, incorporating Tyler The Bar‘s entrance along the way. Indoors, the old brick walls have been meticulously restored and form the backdrop for a newly installed, elongated bar.

The overall palette is distinctly masculine and moody, incorporating materials such as broken glass, broken mirrors, black oxidized metal and classic wall panelling that collectively ooze a distinct urban vibe. Furnishings are clean and modern, and have been carefully sourced from leading European design brands, including Norrman Copenhagen, Lensvelt, Hay, Pedrali and Massproductions, and add up to an interestingly layered environment. To counter-balance the austerity of the materials used and lend the setting a softer and homey edge, the mezzanine railing is adorned with lush potted plants. A suspended tentacled lighting system has been especially designed, and next to being functional, it subtly adorns the lofty space along the way.

The staircase leading to the mezzanine floor is spiced up by large collage-style mural by Russian artist Marat Morik. The upstairs section has a more intimate feel, and as such, the chosen aesthetic is more colourful, while also feeling a tad luxurious, given the marble table tops, parquet flooring, and the overall polished look. Tyler The Bar‘s concept is based on so-called food pairing, and features a menu by chef Aleksandr Kubrikov that’s brimming with tasty fusion dishes such as tuna ceviche with pickled melon, lamb spring rolls, Asian-style chicken, fried squid with kimchi potatoes. Obviously, there’s a drinks list to match with a wide selection of wines and liquors.