Capella Taipei Introduces The Glasshouse as a New Chapter in Taiwan’s Bar Culture

Along the leafy boulevards of Dunhua North Road, Capella Taipei has unveiled The Glasshouse, a bold new hospitality concept that feels as much cultural statement as it does a drinking destination. Set apart from the hotel yet intrinsically connected to its spirit, the tri-level venue gathers three distinct bar experiences under one roof – Tilt, Cooper, and Playback – each an interpretation of Taiwan’s evolving identity through the lens of design, spirits, and music.

The Glasshouse is not a hotel bar in the traditional sense. At just under 500 feet from the property, it stands as a standalone address, created to draw in both international travellers and Taipei’s discerning locals. In doing so, it blurs the line between luxury hospitality and the city’s dynamic social scene, positioning itself as a cultural landmark in its own right.

On the street level, Tilt offers a visual and sensory homage to Taiwan’s landscapes. Inside, rich walnut panelling and emerald-green upholstery create a warmth offset by brass details and chequerboard marble floors. The design nods to Art Deco grandeur while referencing the island’s natural palette, grounding the space in a sense of place. Behind the green stone bar, bartenders transform Taiwan’s terroir into cocktails that act as liquid cartographies. Kaoliang sorghum spirit becomes the backbone for inventive mixes, while roselle from Hualien, guava from Kaohsiung, and cocoa beans from Pingtung infuse the drinks with stories of geography and heritage.

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Ascending to the second floor, the mood shifts. Cooper is a temple to patience, craft, and refinement, taking its name from the artisans who fashion the world’s most prized casks. Velvet seating in midnight blue, brass detailing, and floor-to-ceiling windows that invite the city skyline into intimate conversation. The menu centres on rare aged spirits and reimagined classics. An Old Fashioned might arrive imbued with the smoke of High West or the prestige of a 15-year-old Pappy Van Winkle, while a Martini reveals new depth with gin aged over six decades.

Beneath the streets, Playback pulses with a different kind of energy. Inspired by modernist masters like Jean Prouvé and Pierre Chareau, the 50-seat basement bar is an atmospheric fusion of sleek lines, glowing textures, and enveloping sound. Here, Japanese mixology converges with curated music programmes to create an experience that is part cocktail lounge, part performance space. Drinks borrow names and moods from cultural touchstones. “Tokyo Drift” captures neon-soaked momentum with matcha and creamy layers, while “Sake, Tears, Man & Woman” translates emotion into liquid form with sake and gin in perfect harmony. Live sets range from acoustic intimacy to bold experimentation, ensuring each visit feels unique, fleeting, and alive.