Hawthorn

The refresh of the food and beverage offerings at Fairmont Palliser Calgary’s historic landmark hotel has restored the Palliser Lobby Bar to its status as a destination spot within Calgary’s dining scene. Working alongside the Fairmont team and ownership group, FRANK was engaged to design a cohesive brasserie and cocktail lounge concept to activate the existing lobby area and create a boutique dining experience. An adjacent event space was created to serve a variety of uses for private events, weddings, and corporate gatherings. The project included careful consideration of operational and functional goals to create a fresh boutique dining experience while honouring the hotel’s nostalgic old-world charm.

The design preserves and incorporates many of the historic features of the space, highlighting the hotel’s unique railroad history while balancing these details with fresh and innovative touches. The result is an eclectic, layered, atmosphere suited to faithful Fairmont visitors while appealing to a new generation of guests and locals.

The central feature is a statement bar connecting the open lobby and rivaling the grandeur of the hotel’s magnificent original stone fireplace. The fireplace has been maintained in the renovation and incorporated into an intimate and cozy lounge area. Through the open lobby to the more private pockets of intimate seating, the palette is rich and layered; featuring a mix of natural materials such as wood and stone with luxurious velvets and antique brass. Classic details such as tufted leather and herringbone piping balance playful, bespoke tile patterns and plaids to create an approachable but elevated atmosphere.

Designed to meet international standards, the re-envisioned Palliser Lobby Bar leaves nothing to be desired with its eclectic and luxurious design.