This cafe in Hazratganj melds Lucknowi heritage with modern minimalism by Atelier Varun Goyal
A light-filled courtyard. Stone and brick pathways. A poised neem tree. And an all-white facade that is a fresh departure from the traditional palette of the city of Lucknow. This is Philtre & Co., a new-age bistro in the heart of Hazratganj punctuated with a sense of modern minimalism, yet reminding you of a heritage-esque appeal. […]
A light-filled courtyard. Stone and brick pathways. A poised neem tree. And an all-white facade that is a fresh departure from the traditional palette of the city of Lucknow. This is Philtre & Co., a new-age bistro in the heart of Hazratganj punctuated with a sense of modern minimalism, yet reminding you of a heritage-esque appeal. Imagined by Atelier Varun Goyalalongside Malay Pandya and Paritosh Nigade, the cafe eschews conventionality through a design sensibility that brings the best of both worlds.
He explains, “The careful use of a soft, neutral colour palette further tied these elements of Lucknow’s unique identity together, allowing the historic and modern features to co-exist harmoniously.”
A large canvas lamp, designed by Atelier Varun Goyal and manufactured by Maroo Lights and Kriva Light Solutions, establishes the café’s distinctive design language; Photography by Pankaj AnandThe café’s design pays homage to its origins as a pre-independence printing press through thoughtful elements such as rounded counters, fluted glass, and terrazzo in shades of blue and white. Elegant brass lettering enhances the vintage charm, while contemporary touches are introduced with a Claymen planter and custom sculptures designed as coffee drinkers by Claymen Studio; Photography by Pankaj Anand.The design’s interplay of textures and materials comes alive in this space, with natural light streaming in to accentuate the intricate craftsmanship and thoughtful attention to detail. A terrazzo tabletop, rendered in shades of white, adds a timeless charm, while Finn Juhl-inspired chairs, both designed and produced in-house by Atelier Varun Goyal, seamlessly integrate into the café’s aesthetic. The subtle yet striking presence of chikankari lampshades, crafted using fabric from Modern Chikankari, reflects Lucknow’s rich artisanal heritage. Playful Claymen planters and sculptures, thoughtfully arranged on shelves, introduce a whimsical element, striking the perfect balance between tradition and contemporary elegance. Every element works together to create an inviting and cohesive aesthetic that harmoniously blends heritage and modernity; Photography by Pankaj Anand.
Beauty of contrasts
Look keenly — clean lines, neutral tones and the judicious use of natural light create a rested ambiance, while cultural accents like chikankari fabric partitions and terrazzo flooring ground the overall design in the city’s heritage vocabulary. The interiors spanning 2,000 sq ft bear a subdued and inviting mood, marked by terrazzo flooring, beige tones, Urdu lettering on the walls, Claymen sculptures and furniture inspired by mid-century modern design and Lucknow’s artisanal history.
A louvered opening by Atelier Varun Goyal between the kitchen and the café’s seating area facilitates interaction between the two spaces when desired. This feature also allows light to penetrate through, enhancing the sense of openness and connectivity within the café; Photography by Pankaj AnandLucknow’s cultural heritage is further reflected in the intricate chikankari embroidery, crafted with Modern Chikankari, encased within glass screens that separate the café from the kitchen, allowing soft daylight to filter through. A teak wooden console by Atelier Varun Goyal adds an element of sophistication, while playful Claymen sculptures infuse the space with a sense of whimsyPhotography by Pankaj Anand
Besides the biophilic allure, the outdoor space replete with a live pizza-making station serves as an interactive spot where chefs interact with diners, enabling conversations to flow naturally.
A lesson in history
“Restoring a section of the historic Newal Kishore Press demanded careful planning and execution to preserve its original architectural charm while adapting it to function as a modern cafe,” avers Pankaj. The understanding led to making decisions like addressing the structural wear and tear, reopening bricked-in windows to allow natural light, and thoughtfully melding contemporary materials like terrazzo and glass to complement, rather than overshadow the building’s historic Indo-Saracenic and British architectural influences.
The Chikankari lamp uses the fabric created by Rahul of Modern Chikankari in Lucknow, while the Urdu brass lettering is designer Varun Goyal’s heartfelt tribute to Lucknow’s rich literary and cultural heritage. This thoughtful detail connects the space to its historical identity, offering a sense of nostalgia and pride. Playful Claymen sculptures from Claymen Studio bring in an element of fun and light-heartedness to the environment; Photography by Pankaj Anand.Photography by Pankaj Anand
“Striking a harmony between heritage preservation and modern functionality was both a significant challenge and a deeply fulfilling aspect of the restoration,” cites the architect, visibly contented with finished product — a new-age café where patrons truly get the best of both worlds: Modern comfort, wrapped within the city’s artisanal and literary traditions.
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