The projects that Singaporean lawyer turned hotelier and restaurateur Loh Lik Peng has put his hand to have been busy collecting accolades both on home soil and abroad.

In 2011 alone, these string of awards include the prestigious RIBA (Town Hall & Apartments, London), the Inside Awards “World Interior of the Year” (The Waterhouse at South Bund, Shanghai), and recognition for Jing restaurant by leading media, just to name a few.

Loh’s projects are often unconventional, set in heritage-listed buildings that are carefully re-adapted into radical, cutting-edge lifestyle concepts. Esquina, Loh’s latest venture, appears to follow in much of that spirit.

Esquina is a colourful casual dining destination offering a menu of modern Spanish tapas. It’s set within the historic Chinatown neighbourhood and surrounded by post-war colonial buildings, cafes, and modern as well as ’old-school’ Tzhi Char (local hawker fare) restaurants.

Its location informs the design. Singapore-based Columbian architect Antonio Eraso has given the modest 500sq ft interior an edgy underground vibe, and fused modernity with a sense of old world charm.

Esquina features a long open communal bar and kitchen that recalls the chic urban canteens in Europe. The stools, made from machine parts and doorknobs, have been created by a group of UK artists just for the eatery

As with his other establishments, Loh has decorated the space with antique knick-knacks that he has personally handpicked. These include vintage bronze lamps and rugged signage from far-flung cities such as India and South America.

And the food? Suffice to say, the culinary direction for Esquina is led by Michelin star Chef Jason Atherton, protégé of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay…

Loh Lik Peng’s Unlisted Collection

Antonio Eraso
antonioeraso.com