Ye Lounge: A Garden Restaurant Immersed in Nature

Creating an Urban Oasis for Dining and Escape

Amidst the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ye Lounge emerged as a brave and special addition to the dining scene in 2022. Located in an old industrial park, away from the bustling streets and business districts, it defied expectations by attracting countless young people with its immersive and natural outdoor ambiance.

The outdoor area of the restaurant spans approximately 800 square meters, with a garden covering 200 square meters and accommodating around 30 seats. The outdoor seating area itself spans 600 square meters and can accommodate up to 80 guests. On the second floor of the restaurant, an indoor garden covers 280 square meters and provides seating for approximately 50 guests.

The design of Ye Lounge incorporates various elements to create a truly immersive experience. As guests enter the restaurant, they are greeted by a bamboo forest, passing through a smoky atmosphere and cracked trees. Stepping into the outdoor garden, a cool mist, blooming flowers, and swaying reeds create a serene environment. Guests can relax, enjoy drinks and desserts, and witness the sun setting while firefly lights illuminate the bamboo forest at night.

In colder weather, guests have the option to dine indoors. The indoor space features a campfire, misty streams, and low tables covered with 5cm thick sandstones. The atmosphere resembles a camping experience, complete with tents for a cozy and intimate dining setting.

The realization of Ye Lounge required careful attention to detail. The outdoor garden necessitated considerations such as soil quality, irrigation, and drainage systems. The hard ground was removed, replaced with nutrient-rich soil, and a hole-shaped plastic pipe was laid beneath the surface for natural drainage. The indoor space presented its own challenges, particularly in constructing an indoor creek water system on a non-ground floor, requiring careful consideration of load-bearing and waterproofing factors.

Ye Lounge not only offers a unique dining experience but also serves as a platform for capturing memorable moments. Since its opening in July 2022, it has gained popularity through social media, attracting over 100,000 visitors who have shared photos and experiences. The restaurant's immersive and experiential scene design has proven to be a successful approach, providing much-needed support to the catering industry during the challenging times of the pandemic.

Wei Zhang's vision for Ye Lounge was to create a space that embodies the romanticism and naturalism sought after by urban dwellers. The restaurant allows individuals to indulge in the freedom and tranquility of nature while still enjoying the vibrant energy of city life. With its combination of outdoor garden seating and indoor immersive landscapes, Ye Lounge offers a dining experience that is both wild and captivating.

Ye Lounge was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2023 in the category of Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design. This prestigious accolade recognizes the restaurant's outstanding creativity and resourcefulness in providing an authentic and unique dining experience. By incorporating the best practices in art, science, design, and technology, Ye Lounge contributes to the improvement of quality of life, making it a true gem in the heart of Beijing.