CAPELLA TAIPEI UNVEILS THE GLASSHOUSE: A STANDALONE TRI-LEVEL BAR DESTINATION
- Flora Gandolfo
- Sep 23
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 14
Ambitious concept by Capella Taipei heralds a new chapter in Taiwan's bar culture
Along the verdant boulevards of Dunhua North Road, Taipei, The Glasshouse emerges as a sophisticated constellation of three unique bars under one roof, where mixology meets culture with exceptional artistry. Three distinct yet harmoniously connected venues - Tilt, Cooper, and Playback - weave a tapestry of cultural discovery through the language of spirits and music.
The Glasshouse represents an intentional departure from conventional hospitality design - a standalone concept positioned within 500 feet of the Capella Taipei hotel that bridges the gap between luxury accommodation and authentic local culture. This groundbreaking approach attracts both international travellers seeking local experiences and residents keen to discover new dimensions of their city's evolving social landscape.
Under the creative direction of Angus Winchester, Director of Bars, Capella Taipei, these three venues form The Glasshouse - connecting tradition and innovation in an unforgettable journey of taste and discovery, Tilt’s curated cocktails transform Taiwan’s local ingredients into liquid love letters to the island’s diverse terroir; Cooper elevates the art of aged spirits and time-tested classics; while Playback offers a multi-sensory experience blending artisanal Japanese cocktails and dynamic music programming.
"The Glasshouse represents our bold vision to redefine the hospitality landscape of Taiwan," says Dennis Laubenstein, General Manager, Capella Taipei. "Our ambition was to craft something unprecedented in Asia - a cultural bridge that positions Taiwan at the forefront of the region's social culture. The Glasshouse elevates Taiwan's extraordinary bartending artistry while celebrating the rich narratives that are woven throughout our island's identity."

Tilt: A celebration of Taiwan's living landscape
Within Tilt's 75-seat Art Deco-inspired domain on the street level of The Glasshouse, Taiwan's remarkable geography finds eloquent expression through both thoughtful design and the island's most treasured ingredients.
Rich dark walnut, brushed brass accents, and emerald-toned upholstery create an atmosphere of refined warmth that mirrors the island's natural beauty, while checkered marble floors and softly backlit shelving inspired by old-world apothecaries provide the perfect backdrop for liquid storytelling.
Here, kaoliang - Taiwan’s traditional sorghum spirit - serves as muse, while each handpicked ingredient tells its own story of place. Aromatic roselle from Hualien’s central mountains offers a floral, botanical snapshot of the landscape. The crisp, sun-kissed guava from Kaohsiung brings a sweet, refreshing flavour beloved by locals across Taiwan. Ponkan tangerines from Yunlin burst with vibrant citrus, bright kumquats from Yilan add a lively northern note, and rich cocoa beans from Pingtung’s southern highlands evoke warmth and depth.
At the commanding green stone bar trimmed in brass, a tribute to 1920s cocktail culture's celebration of luxury and craftsmanship, skilled bartenders transform regional treasures into liquid narratives, each sip revealing new layers of terroir and tradition. Imaginatively-conceived mocktails ensure that every guest can partake in this celebration of place regardless of preference.

Cooper: Celebrating the craftsmen behind every cask
Ascend to the refined refuge of Cooper on second level, where connoisseurs discover a sanctuary dedicated to the profound artistry of aged spirits and masterfully interpreted classics in the style of a European salon. Named in tribute to the craftsmen whose skilled hands shape the world's finest casks, this intimate venue honours both heritage and innovation with effortless sophistication.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the city beyond while polished brass accents and sumptuous deep blue velvet seating create a serene backdrop for quiet contemplation and conversation.
Here, beloved classics receive extraordinary treatment: an Old Fashioned elevated with rare expressions such as High West from Utah's mountain distillery or the legendary Pappy Van Winkle 15-year, or a perfect Dry Martini finding new expression through six-decade-aged gin. Cooper's rare collection of aged spirits and exceptional Champagnes creates moments of discovery for those who understand that true luxury lies in the confluence of craft, time, and appreciation.

Playback: A symphony of sound and flavour
In Playback's intimate 50-seat basement retreat, independent sound meets Japanese flavours in a multi-sensory celebration where music and mixology converge. Inspired by modernist masters such as Jean Prouvé and Pierre Chareau, Playback channels sleek lines, opulent details, and functional beauty with a nostalgic nod to the past. Whether sipping a cocktail at the bar or sinking into a plush seat near the stage, the venue pulses with live music performances that span genres and eras, from intimate acoustic sets to bold experimental sounds.
Signature creations pay homage to cultural touchstones with remarkable creativity. "Tokyo Drift by Teriyaki Boyz" captures the electric energy of neon-lit Tokyo streets, a cocktail that accelerates like a midnight racer, balancing bold matcha intensity with unexpected creamy textures while "Sake, Tears, Man & Woman by Kawashima Eigo” transforms emotion into liquid form, marrying premium sake with Japanese gin in perfect harmony.
More than cocktails and music, Playback offers a sonic journey where every track, pour, and live performance has been curated to subvert the norm and reward the curious, creating entirely new experiences that bridge musical heritage with contemporary expression.
The Glasshouse – Opening Hours
No. 129 Dunhua North Road, Songshan District, Taipei 105021
Tilt: Tuesdays to Saturdays from 18:00 – 01:00
Cooper: Tuesdays to Saturdays 19:00 – 02:00
Playback: Thursdays to Saturdays 19:00 - 01:00
Taking reservations from 18 September 2025 at https://capellahotels.com/en/capella-taipei/the-glasshouse.
-ENDS-
ABOUT CAPELLA HOTEL GROUP
Capella Hotel Group is a leading hospitality management company specialising in luxury hotels, resorts, and serviced residences. Based in Singapore, the rapidly expanding group has two brands under its portfolio and properties across ten destinations. The award-winning Capella Hotels and Resorts is renowned for its service excellence, crafted luxury design and immersive experiences celebrating the locale, while Patina Hotels & Resorts is the group’s transformative luxury brand pioneering a fresh perspective in luxury hospitality.
For more information visit www.capellahotelgroup.com.
ABOUT CAPELLA HOTELS AND RESORTS
The Capella Hotels and Resorts constellation consists of properties located in Singapore, Sydney, Taipei, Ubud, Bangkok, Hanoi, Shanghai, and Hainan. Future openings include exciting destinations such as Kyoto, Riyadh, Nanjing and Shenzhen. The exceptional hospitality brand, taking its name from the brightest star of the Auriga constellation, shines a spotlight on local heritage, culture and community whilst crafting authentic guest experiences with the highest level of personalised service and combining a legacy of thoughtful design. Capella was named Best Hotel Brand in Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Awards” from 2023 to 2025. Capella Bangkok and Capella Singapore earned the distinction of being included in The World’s 50 Best Hotels in 2023 and 2024. Capella Bangkok was named The World’s Best Hotel and Asia’s Best Hotel in 2024, with Côte by Mauro Colagreco elevated to Two MICHELIN Stars for 2025. Capella Hotels and Resorts is a member of GHA DISCOVERY, a multi-brand loyalty programme representing a collection of 40 independent hotel brands over 100 countries worldwide.
For more information, visit www.capellahotels.com
Instagram @capellahotels | Linkedin @capellahotels
ABOUT CAPELLA TAIPEI
Capella Taipei is a transcendent blend of contemporary elegance with timeless sophistication in the heart of Taiwan’s dynamic capital. Nestled in the vibrant Songshan district, Capella Taipei fuses tradition with a modern-day narrative of the city, capturing André Fu’s personal interpretation of a “modern mansion” concept. 86 exquisitely crafted rooms and suites offer sweeping views of the city skyline, highlighting the Taipei 101 landmark and surrounding mountains, while culinary excellence abounds with five dining venues and a tri-level destination bar complex, The Glasshouse. Capella Wellness offers bespoke treatments for those seeking rejuvenation, and the signature Living Room, where Capella Culturists curate personalised experiences, rounds out this urban retreat—a haven designed to indulge and inspire.
For further press information and images, please contact:
Dara Soeharto (dara@frogandwolfpr.com), Leanne Barton (leanne@frogandwolfpr.com), Nat Frogley (nat@frogandwolfpr.com) or Flora Gandolfo (flora@frogandwolfpr.com) at Frog & Wolf PR.




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