For this reincarnation, success is in the details
Up a glass elevator in the Time Hotel (224 W 49th St, NYC), Inc. Lounge is more than a simple rebirth of the former Time Lounge. My friend and event planner Liz Hartman invited me to see the new spot. Designer Jody Singleton worked her magic on this room just as she did at Rm. Fifty5 (210 W. 55th St, NYC).
There wasn’t anything inherently wrong with Time Lounge. In fact, I always loved hanging out there for the fine drinks, great service and good company. But the design was sorta monotone. Thankfully, Jody waved her design wand, turning the new Inc. Lounge into a lush, eclectic haven of royal textures and dark tones.
Nothing was spared in the details and this was evident in the wall coverings. If you stand with your head at just the right angle, you can see subtle sketches of female figures. Contrast is what Jody does best in her designs, so it’s fitting that a small portion of the old Time Lounge layout remains. In the front part of the room is a throwback to the subdued tones of the former lounge.
A rock n roll feel was added thanks to the tiny video screens playing loops of concerts. The one by my head tonight was showing Iggy Pop. These same tiny screens used to play old cartoons in a past life. More proof of the level of change here. On the walls are brilliant pop-art renderings from painter Shane Petersen.
Rounding out the space is the billiard room in the back. A tournament-sized table stands majestically under bright red, smoking lips. The rest of the room continues the royal eclectic mood from the front. It’s there while taking some photos that I met Jesse Cody, the guy in charge of managing this new spot.
Right now I have to give props to one person who made this night remarkable. Kelsey was working the bar. This being a Tuesday, no one really expected a huge crowd. At the last minute, a group of about twenty plus people came in and Kelsey never missed a beat. The drinks were always perfect and her aerobic traversing in and out from behind the bar was impressive to say the least.
Her work ethic and ability to handle this unexpected rush is an example of why this group of lounges (Ava, Rm. Fifty5 & Inc.) are among the best in town. They are very careful when it comes to who they hire, the drinks and food they serve and the look and feel of their rooms. They understand that no detail is too small and–more importantly–no customer is unimportant.
See Also:
Photo Gallery
LoungeBarsNYC.com
Jody Singleton
Shane Petersen
MurphGuide.com
