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.”
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.
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.Â
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.
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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.
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