12 Chairs

12 Chairs, a project designed and managed by Doha-based design studio - Shift Design, is the most exclusive caviar bar in Doha and the first in the Middle East. Offering a one-of-a-kind caviar and champagne experience, 12 Chairs is stand-out luxury dining destination which provides guests with the utmost upscale experience. Infusing modern design with an extravagant atmosphere, 12 Chairs Caviar Bar’s interior perfectly reflects the luxurious lifestyle associated with tasting caviar. The interior of the bar was inspired by Dutch designer, Marcel Wanders to be an eccentric fantasy destination drawing on an interactive and transparent feel without being fully exposed or losing its exclusive euphoric identity.


Situated on the ground floor in the Frozen Forest lobby of Mondrian Doha hotel, the connection between the lobby and 12 Chairs is manifested through the innovative “Fish Fin” element that simulates fish scales, with natural curves giving the real feel of fish movements. 12 Chairs maintains the balance between comfort and privacy through the flexibility of the “Fish Fin” and its accurate height where each piece can be moved, creating different grades of permeability.


The interior of 12 Chairs reflects the luxurious element of caviar with Mother of Pearl selected to cover the front fascia of the counter. The color palette is minimalistic with white, black, and grey with some highlights of brass being the predominant colors to ensure seamless blending with the hotel’s Frozen Forest-themed lobby, including decorative giant white lamps and a black helical staircase designed by Marcel Wanders.


The Grand Chandelier showpiece is custom-made with each crystal ball mimicking the color of the caviar served in the restaurant adding a pop of color to the otherwise neutral décor. Graphic walls and floor details were inspired by the traditional Japanese Tattoo featuring waves in the scale of white, grey, and black with Sturgeon fishes.


On each of the 12 chairs, a custom-made brass number is incorporated to personalize the experience of the customer. The amenable design of the bar allows the Chef to interact with caviar aficionados providing a personal interactive experience to witness the preparation of scrumptious dishes.