Lady Bee: signature cocktails and contemporary materials in the heart of Lima

In a city where gastronomy is part of the cultural identity, Lady Bee has become one of the must-visit stops for those exploring Lima with culinary curiosity. This small gastrobar, accommodating just 25 diners and designed by Ariadna Floistad Mir, offers an experience where cocktails and cuisine interact around local produce, with a contemporary perspective deeply connected to the region.

In fact, Lady Bee was included in 2023 in the extended list of The World’s 50 Best Bars, ranking 52nd, and has recently been honoured with the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award 2025, one of the most valued accolades in the industry. Behind the bar, Alonso Palomino, bartender and co-owner, offers locally inspired cocktails alongside Gabriela León, chef and partner, who is responsible for the culinary concept.

The space avoids the usual bar iconography. No exposed bottles or visible brands: instead, pieces crafted by local artisans are part of the service.

The spatial identity of Lady Bee is clearly supported by a standout material: the ultracompact surface Dekton by Cosentino, chosen in the colour Ceppo. “For this project, without a doubt, the most interesting aspect was the aesthetic provided by the large-format Dekton Ceppo finish in the space,” explains the designer.

Ceppo, with its composition of grey stones of varying sizes, evokes an almost inhospitable mineral landscape, a direct reference to the region. “The chosen flooring evokes a rough, primal terrain,” the project team notes, reinforcing the connection to Peruvian imagery through a contemporary lens.

The choice of material was not solely aesthetic. “We chose Cosentino for its technology: it is heat and impact resistant, as well as offering colours and finishes with a natural appearance,” notes Ariadna Floistad Mir. In a bar where the counter is the centre of activity — mixing, ice, utensils, continuous service — the surface needed to provide maximum resistance and long-term stability.

Dekton Ceppo also provides guarantees against wear and stains, a key quality in a high-use space. “It gave us the assurance that the material would not deteriorate or stain over time,” adds the designer.

From the client’s perspective, the benefits are clear: “Heat resistance, non-porous surface, cut resistance, and a very balanced combination of colour and texture.” These technical features ensure the design retains its character intact, even in a demanding environment like a high-end cocktail bar.

The use of Dekton Ceppo, alongside other carefully selected elements, creates a sober, tactile, and immersive atmosphere where every detail has meaning. The project demonstrates how a contemporary material can reinterpret local references without being literal, while providing solidity, aesthetic coherence, and durability. In this small Lima bar, design and gastronomy share the same philosophy: respect for origin.