PROJECTS & COLLABORATIONS → BAO CITY
BAO City
By MATH Design
DATE
2024
LOCATION
Bloomberg Arcade, London
Explore Bao City's Bespoke Furniture
Discover the bespoke furniture we provided for the latest BAO restaurant in the Bloomberg Arcade. BAO City is a place to quietly find fulfilment over a bowl of lonely noodles or sing your heart out in one of the two flagship karaoke rooms.
The Project
Our latest collaboration sees Kirkdale Studios working with renowned interior architects Maths Design and hospitality leaders JKS Restaurants to furnish BAO City, the newest and most architecturally striking location in the BAO family. Inspired by the whisky and karaoke bars from the neon-drenched Taiwan of the 90s, this unique site brings BAO’s signature twist on Taiwanese cuisine into a setting defined by bold geometry, considered materiality and immersive lighting.
The Interiors
The interior, designed by Maths Design, offers an atmospheric experience that goes far beyond the plate. Playing with contrasts of light and shadow, the space features sculptural forms, smooth surfaces and a rhythmic layout that mirrors the precision of the culinary experience. Architectural lighting plays a starring role, casting dramatic pools of light across textured concrete, brushed steel, and dark timber—creating an ambiance that is both moody and modern.
While the architecture leans toward the refined and minimal, the BAO brand retains a strong sense of youthfulness and fun. Known for its playful take on Taiwanese street food, bold branding and offbeat humour, BAO City carries that same spirit through to every detail of the guest experience. The menu features inventive twists and cheeky surprises, while the site’s dedicated karaoke room brings an unexpected and energetic social layer to the venue—a space where guests can sing, laugh and unwind well into the night. It’s a restaurant designed not just for dining, but for shared moments and cultural expression, reflecting the lifestyle of a new generation of city dwellers.
Bespoke Furniture
To complement this striking interior, Kirkdale Studios supplied a fully bespoke furniture package of chairs, tables and stools, carefully designed to echo the minimalist precision and Japanese influences of the space. Working closely with Maths Design, we developed custom-made side chairs and barstools inspired by traditional Japanese joinery and the understated elegance of classic ryokan seating.
The Side Chairs
Crafted from solid timber and finished with a refined dark stain, our bespoke Japanese-inspired side chairs feature clean, angular lines and a low, grounding profile—designed to feel architectural without drawing attention away from the surrounding space. These chairs were designed for BAO City and are a subtle but integral part of the restaurant’s cohesive design language.
The Tables
Bespoke high tables encircle the main dining room, with shiny chromed bases and a jet-black oak veneer top, they strike a balance between the light and dark aesthetics that flow throughout the dining hall. Here guests are seated on bespoke barstools designed to mirror the same aesthetic principles of the chairs but with an emphasis on elongating the height by using a straight slated backrest which stretches down to the ground. These pieces balance form and function, offering the durability required in a high-turnover hospitality environment with the elevated design sensibility BAO is known for.
To complete the scheme, we also supplied timber and stone tables finished in neutral tones selected to echo the interior’s natural palette and stand up to the demands of busy, urban dining. As ever, every item was made with commercial-grade performance in mind, ensuring longevity without compromising on style.
The Taipei Karaoke
The Taipei karaoke is an immersive musical experience, with a large wrap-around LED screen, guests are bathed in neon lights and bright visuals and they sing their heart out to all their favourite hits. Our popular bespoke K-Pouf B has been utilised in this space to provide unobtrusive and manoeuvrable seating to adapt to the individual needs of each party. Upholstered in a burgundy Sunbury Sunhide faux leather, the stool perfectly compliments the dark red, oxblood walls and its easy clean properties allow for quick turn around when new guests arrive.
All seating has been upholstered in rich burgundy and cream hues which compliment the striking lighting set up while the superb qualities of faux leather are perfect for hospitality use. → Sunbury Design
The Seating Colour Palette
At Kirkdale Studios, we thrive on partnerships like this one—collaborating with visionary designers and celebrated hospitality brands to deliver bespoke contract furniture that meets both practical requirements and high design standards. The result at BAO City is a dining environment that feels beautifully resolved, from the menu to the materials.
Whether you’re creating an intimate dining concept or rolling out a bold new venue, we’re here to help realise your vision with tailored furniture solutions for hospitality interiors.
Congratulations to Maths Design and JKS Restaurants on yet another outstanding addition to the BAO portfolio. We’re proud to have contributed to the next chapter in this ever-evolving dining story.
Love BAO as much as we do? Check out our other interior collaborations with MATH Design→ BAO Battersea
Get rewarded when you eat BAO by joining BAO’s award winning app, unearth perks and benefits every time you visit.
BAO City opens 12:00-11pm Monday-Saturday
Featured Products
JKS Restaurants
Ollie Tomlnson