1874 Hidden Bar

1874 Hidden Bar
by Cosmo Chuah

• Awarded April 15, 2026
• CLIENT: Lab Two Design
• 7.760

1874 is a hidden bar set within a century-old shophouse in Penang, Malaysia. The entrance is placed behind a facade that recalls a 1960s grocery store, while the interior is industrial and raw. Reclaimed scaffolding forms the core framework of the bar, and vintage objects were sourced from local secondhand markets. Much of the original flooring, ceiling and walls was retained. Three zones lead guests from the storefront to the bar and then to the smoking area. Hidden doors, elevated stages and adjustable lighting support the sense of surprise.