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Mai Hac De Street lies directly south of Hoan Kiem Lake and to the east of Lenin Park, sandwiched between the busy one-way streets of Ba Trieu St. (southbound) and Hue St. (northbound). The house itself is based on 4 split-level floors, reaching far back from the street front.
Climbing the stairs to the second (first) floor bar area leads to a very similar theme as that found at Hang Tre. The liquor display jars, highlighted with reverse lighting, sit against the huge backdrop of a mural which covers the wall, depicting the scenery which can be found along the road Highway4.
Delving further into the building the house opens up to reveal a ‘garden atrium’ area which forms a shaft through the centre of the restaurant, bringing fresh air and natural light to all areas of the house. At the base lie tables and stools made from the roots of trees, furniture produced by the Muong ethnicity in Luong Son, near Hoa Binh (south-west of Hanoi). Scattered around this area are clay pots produced in the village of Phu Lang in Bac Ninh province, where this artisan craft has been practiced for generations.
The split-level third floor introduces 2 separate rooms divided by the atrium. Of similar design they replicate the low bamboo tables and grass cushions found at Hang Tre although here they are placed upon raised wooden platforms. Around the walls there are further designs by the artist Nguyen Anh Tuan, one room displaying stamps with artistic portrayals of the nom characters for Highway4, Liquor (tuu), and Son Tinh; the other room takes you on a flying visit around Hanoi ’s Old Quarter.
At the summit lies another roof garden on the 4th floor in a spacious, tranquil environment, far from the hustle and bustle of the street below. This wooden house offers a perfect venue for private parties, weekend barbecues, or just a chance to enjoy some respite from the chaos of the city. |