The former Hong Kong Supreme Court has been transformed into the Magistracy, a culinary and social destination defined by a traditional European stateliness. Joyce Wang Studio led the redesign of the palatial judicial house, which yielded two restaurants from Black Sheep Restaurants: the Magistracy Dining Room and the Botanical Garden.
Situated on the first floor, the Magistracy Dining Room draws inspiration from London’s most historic and traditional restaurants—complete with a subtle English wit. Guests dine beneath high vaulted ceilings and carved timber panels that accentuate the grandeur of the building and complement lush flora planted throughout the interior to channel the ancient palaces of Southern Europe. Ethereal hanging lanterns, double wall lights, and golden accent lamps also nod to 19th-century British design as they illuminate ageless English furnishings, including seating upholstered in rich oxblood leather reminiscent of chesterfield armchairs. A spiral wooden staircase serves as a central focal point in the dining room, leading guests to an intimate semi-private dining balcony overlooking the grandiose space.
The Botanical Garden terrace awaits beyond arched glass doors, enticing guests with a maze of draped ivy, hydrangeas, and ferns in terracotta and antique planters.
“It’s been an honor to work on a site of such historic significance in my home city,” says Joyce Wang Studio founder Joyce Wang. “We are reigniting memories of the older generations and conjuring pride for the younger generations. The space now exudes importance—authentic to its former self as the pillar for social justice for Hong Kong. Personally, I can’t wait for untold stories to be shared across the dining table, bridging generations closer to one another.”
Upon completion of its third and final phase, the Magistracy will house two restaurants, three bars, four private dining rooms, an elevated sports room, and a sprawling wine cellar. The second phase of openings will be announced soon.
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