The Drake Cafe Unveils Fresh New Look
The hotel teamed up with Company Company for a streamlined redesign featuring custom furniture and glossy decor
It seems the Drake Hotel has developed a taste for interior renovation. Just as the buzz around the hotel’s stylish new modern wing has settled, Joyce Lo, property design consultant and co-director of The Drake General Store, has returned to the drawing board—this time to revamp the beloved Drake Cafe.
The Drake Cafe bar is playful yet thoughtful, contemporary yet timeless.
After twenty years, the brief was to give the Drake Cafe a fresh look that transitions throughout the day from morning coffee to late-night wine,” says Lo. “We worked with Company Company who consistently brings a design rigour to their practice. The result is a clear vision that plants The Drake squarely looking ahead while maintaining key elements that define the brand.”
Standout features include terracotta tiling, Douglas Fir millwork, a soapstone countertop, leather-inspired banquettes, custom tables, denim feature wall, original terrazzo and exposed brick.
The avocado green walls, paired with blue denim wall features and peachy tiles, create a bold and unexpected combination that might spark strong opinions from guests. Ultimately, this renovation embraces a modern take on maximalism, with a thoughtfully curated palette that’s not just trendy but timeless. It’s a stylish choice that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
The Drake Cafe boasts a colourful palette.
Terracotta tiles add a glossy texture to the cafe bar.
Queen Street West views remain in the revamped Drake Cafe.
The bar is positioned to create an open overall atmosphere while maintaining an intimate seating structure throughout the space.
These elements include warm wood, rich colours such as cognac, wine and green alongside pops of blue. The dining chair legs alternate between navy, wine and green are set against blue paperstone custom tables. A noteworthy element is the Company Company conceived feature wall sewn up of vintage jeans inclusive of back pockets, rivets and well-worn patina.
The Drake Cafe’s revitalized interior is an example of blending the new with the familiar, ensuring that while the space may look forward, it never forgets its roots. With a design that effortlessly transitions from day to night, the cafe remains a true reflection of The Drake’s enduring commitment to creativity and community.