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Palm Beach Cannes unveils FLASH, a new hidden bar inspired by the golden age of speakeasies and reimagined through a contemporary, sensorial lens. Conceived by acclaimed French-Mexican Artist-Architect Hugo Toro, FLASH transforms the spirit of the speakeasy into a fully immersive destination where elegance, sensuality, and mystery converge.
Hidden behind a discreet door inside Il Grande,the new Italian restaurant also designed by Toro, FLASH introduces guests to a world where every element has been custom-crafted. Onyx, hammered copper, varnished wood and bespoke details form an intimate,tactile cocoon, while mangrove-inspired carpets, pleated leather banquettes and integrated lighting create an atmosphere rooted in curiosity and texture.
“I imagined FLASH as an immersive nightlife venue where architecture, light, music and material are in constant dialogue,” Toro explains, describing a space thatinvites guests to feel ratherthan simply observe.
A Sensory Universe
FLASH is above all a sensory space that provokes touch at every turn, a bar where the energy of the night is absorbed through the body as much as through the eyes. Sound travels through the walls and floor, creating an acoustic landscape that gently envelops guests. Lighting in tones of red and amber give the room a soft, cinematic warmth. Cocktails follow the same approach, with sips crafted to echo the mood of the room, while aged leather, lime plaster and warm woods subtly perfume the space, redefining the art ofthe nightcap.
“Touch is essential,” Toro explains. “Guests are invited to feel the surfaces – the pleated leather, the wood,the metal. The architecture reacts to human presence.”
Toro envisioned FLASH as a house transformed into a hidden bar, intimate and instinctively welcoming. After the brightness of Cannes, guests step into an enveloping red dimness that resets the pace of the evening. Manglar-inspired carpets, animal jacquards, travertine and hammered metals layer into a richly textured environment centred around a glowing bar clad in backlit aluminium blades, “beating like a vibrant heart,” as Toro describes it.
Every element is custom-designed, reflecting Toro’s desire to create a place that feels alive ratherthan simply decorated. Itis a nocturnal ritual shaped by texture, light and movement.
The Mixology
The cocktail programme celebrates agave spirits, reimagining timeless drinks with precision and modern flair. Tequila and mezcal signatures are lifted by unexpected pairings of citrus, spices, and fresh herbs. Iconic serves like the Negroni and Old Fashioned are executed with refined simplicity, while seasonal ingredients and house-made syrups anchor the menu in craftsmanship. Non-alcoholic creations receive the same meticulous attention, ensuring every palate is thoughtfully considered.
The Music
Music plays a defining role in the identity of FLASH. The programming evolves organically throughout the evening, beginning with warm lounge ambience and building into deeper, late-night energy. Curated DJ sets, special guest nights and thematic rendez-vous help create a rhythm that evolves from one evening to the next, cultivating a loyal community of guests drawn to its distinctive vibe.
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