Since co-founding CÉ LA VI in 2010, Harry Apostolides has redefined what a modern lifestyle destination can be, one that effortlessly merges contemporary Asian cuisine, architectural design and world-class entertainment high above the skylines of the world’s most dynamic cities.
From Singapore to Dubai, Tokyo to Taipei, and now London and Miami, CÉ LA VI has become synonymous with elevated living that is vibrant yet refined, local yet unmistakably its own. Guided by a clear vision and a deep understanding of how people connect through food, music, and atmosphere, Harry has turned CÉ LA VI into a name that transcends geography, embodying the rhythm of each city it calls home.
A seasoned hospitality leader, Harry previously held senior roles with COMO Hotels and Resorts and Crystal Jade Culinary Concepts, experiences that shaped his belief in crafting holistic, multi-sensory environments that evoke emotion as much as excellence. Under his leadership, CÉ LA VI has evolved into a global symbol of sophistication and experiential design.
Today, with new openings in London and Miami, and upcoming projects in Belgrade, Milan, Abu Dhabi, and Mumbai, the brand’s evolution continues at pace. However, while the geography may expand, Harry remains focused on a single principle: keeping the essence consistent. “Every CÉ LA VI should feel distinctly of its city,” he says, “but unmistakably CÉ LA VI.”
When you co-founded CÉ LA VI in 2010, what was the idea you wanted to bring to life?
To create a day-to-night destination that marries memorable Modern Asian cuisine, exceptional service, innovative cocktails, curated music, striking design and sky-high views into one seamless experience. We wanted every venue to feel distinctly of its city, yet unmistakably CÉ LA VI, rooted in Southeast Asian warmth, hospitality and design. Importantly, we set out to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces, creating an al fresco feel atop Marina Bay Sands that has since become a signature of the brand.
How do you keep the brand’s identity consistent while opening in very different cities?
We follow a 70/30 framework. Seventy percent is non-negotiable of our Modern Asian culinary identity, service standards, guest journey, design language, and music and lighting ethos. Thirty percent is localised with local producers, flavours, collaborations, art and programming, so each venue is deeply connected to its city, while unmistakably CÉ LA VI.
Our consistency is powered by our people, standards and systems. We run structured training programmes, enable leadership mobility across markets, and maintain tight brand communications through newsletters, performance reviews and cross-market workshops. This rhythm keeps teams aligned to one heartbeat while sharing best practices quickly and elevating execution everywhere.
What was the biggest challenge in taking CÉ LA VI from one rooftop in Singapore to a global name?
Scaling culture and standards without losing soul are the very things that make our brand unique. Regulations, supply chains, and talent pools differ by market, but our constants are people, branding and systems. We’ve invested heavily in training, pre-opening systems, and leadership exchanges so a guest in Singapore, Dubai, Tokyo, Taipei, or London experiences the same CÉ LA VI hospitality heartbeat.
You describe each venue as an “extension of the city’s heartbeat.” How does that play out in practice?
We recreate and amplify the city’s atmosphere inside our venues, channelling the local rhythm into a high-energy destination that both residents and travellers aspire to visit. We partner with local creators, chefs, artists, DJs, spotlight regional produce, and design programming that reflects how the city actually lives. The flavours, the sound, the tempo, all feel authentically of that place, but filtered through the CÉ LA VI lens.
What made London the right choice for your latest opening, and how does it differ from your other locations?
London is one of the world’s most influential hospitality capitals with discerning guests and year-round demand. Our site at Paddington Square is a landmark with superb connectivity and skyline views. London also demands a true all-day proposition, from business lunches to pre-theatre dining and late-night entertainment, so we designed versatile spaces, winterised terraces, and a sharper beverage and music programme tailored to the city’s pace and expectations.
With London and Miami now part of the journey, what’s next on the horizon for CÉ LA VI?
While we’re laser-focused on executing in London and ramping up in Miami, project development is underway for Belgrade, Milan, Abu Dhabi, and Mumbai, with additional opportunities being explored across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. Our approach remains selective with fewer, exceptional openings that truly embody the brand and can be executed with precision.
Guests today want more than dinner or drinks. How do you design experiences that truly stay with them?
We design the entire guest journey, from arrival to farewell, through sightlines, pacing, sound, lighting, and signature moments such as chef’s greetings or tableside presentations. Rotating collaborations, limited-time menus, and immersive programming create reasons to return, while attentive, anticipatory service turns strong moments into lasting memories.
We focus on crafting one-of-a-kind experiences, whether it’s our anniversary celebrations, immersive Halloween themes, Grand Prix pop-ups and afterparties, or festive décor designed to leave a lasting impression. Recently, we hosted a Negroni Week masterclass in Dubai, and we’re excited about many more unique collaborations and partnerships ahead.
CÉ LA VI is famous for being alive day and night. How do you create that 24-hour energy?
We tune each venue to the cadence of the day. Daytime is bright and relaxed; golden hour lifts the tempo; evenings build to high energy with a dynamic bar and music programme. Menus, music, and lighting shift by daypart, guided by detailed playbooks and a rolling experience calendar, from brunches to seasonal takeovers, so the energy stays fresh yet unmistakably CÉ LA VI.
What kind of culture have you tried to build within your teams across the world?
A culture of service excellence and ownership, standards-driven, guest-obsessed, collaborative, and continuously improving. We back this with training, cross-market mobility, and shared tools so teams grow with the brand and are empowered to anticipate, rather than simply react to, guest needs.
If you could open in any dream city tomorrow, where would it be?
New York. The skyline, diversity, and culinary dialogue make it a natural stage for our day-to-night model.
What do you think CÉ LA VI brings to a city that no one else does?
An elevated lifestyle destination that integrates authentic Modern Asian cuisine, precision service, entertainment, and design, operating from daylight through late night. We carry a consistent brand DNA while allowing each venue to feel locally born. Rather than offering just dining or nightlife, we create an arc of experiences that elevates and reflects the city’s own energy.
