The city of Varanasi is as quaint as it is theatrical—you can encounter endless lanes, brightly painted houses and loud sadhus with their followers in the wake…crowds and chaos have made a home in every nook and corner.
Brijrama Palace Hotel situated at Munshi Ghat on the Ganges, however, paints a different picture, offering peace and a promise of rest.
Constructed in 1812, it was owned by the then-Maharaja of Darbhanga, Bihar. Post his demise, it was left unattended for years. In 1996, Arvind Kumar, a local, while passing by was taken by the beautiful brick facade and decided to purchase the property. Thus began the story of the building’s arduous revival into a 32 room, three-level getaway.
Its Chunar sandstone exterior faces three ghats: Munshi, Dashashwamedh and Rana; Photographs by Amit Mehra
New chapters Entering the over 200-year-old palace on a boat and stepping inside a lift built during the 18th century by a British engineer feels surreal. Hand-pulled in the past, it now operates on electricity. You can arrive from the back doors too, after trudging through a winding lane stretching easily to a kilometre or two. “I’ve entered another era”, you might think looking at the old wooden doors, massive Chunar stone columns, vintage furniture and ancient fans with long, timber blades.
The terrace overlooks the Ganges, a zigzag patterned verandah and the room preserving the machine once used to hand pull the hotel’s lift; Photographs by Amit Mehra
A verandah at the reception overlooks the historic river—a sight worth bookmarking in your memory. The hotel’s restoration constitutes a restaurant facing the Ganges, a bada aangan with large Radha Krishna idols and three levels for accommodation.
The lounge reveals a multicoloured carpet boasting traditional Bhadohi work and a love seat-inspired seater custom made by local artisans; Photographs by Amit Mehra
It’s easy to lose your heart to the majestic Bhagirathi Maharaja suite too. An expansive space with a bright pink bed covering made with Benarasi fabric and corners dotted with silverware, this is also home to a life-sized, hand-painted portrait of Arvind’s parents, Brij Pal Das and Rama Devi, after whom the hotel was christened.
The dramatic interior balconies exude a light pink hue. Here, classical musicians play their instruments for a few hours each evening, filling the palace with beautiful harmonies; Photographs by Amit Mehra
Cultural retreat Artists from Jaipur, Jodhpur and Varanasi were called to decorate the walls with paintings. All the furniture was sourced from Kolkata, while chandeliers and wall brackets from Jaipur. One can find multiple design influences of different states here “because I wanted the structure to look like the royal palaces of Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh,” adds the owner Arvind.
In the Bhagirathi Maharaja Suite, a spread made of Benarasi silk covers an archetypal bed. Above is the rose pink ceiling with Rajasthani fresco artworks; Photographs by Amit Mehra
The sounds of classical music reverberate from the heart of the palace as local musicians settle down on two interior balconies. “Kashi is the centre of performing arts, which I wanted to revive here. I was always keen on building a textile museum too inside this property—soon that project will see the light of day!” he hopes.
Burma Burma restaurant and tea room’s newest outpost in a colonial building on Park Street is set against the rich cultural and historical backdrop of Kolkata. It aesthetically renders the southeast Asian nation’s colonial heritage.
The double-heighted restaurant is designed by Minnie Bhatt and her eponymous creative studio to resemble a colonial home in Myanmar. We love how the mezzanine floor as well as private dining section recall the grandeur of colonial architecture and celebrates the cultural identity of its namesake country.
From the facade itself, Burma Burma sets the tone of the space with arched wooden windows and a classic wooden staircase and railing.
Cane chairs, wooden accents, bespoke lighting, walls covered in artworks from Myanmar and terrazzo-tiled flooring that’s inlaid with a brass strip make up Burma Burma’s quaint aesthetic; Photographs by Ricken Desai
“We were inspired by our travels to Myanmar. Yangon has many colonial buildings and The Strand there has retained its colonial decor. This influenced us to include large cane chairs, walls hand painted with landscape imagery, and terrazzo-tiled flooring inlaid with a brass strip…all inspired from our visit to the iconic hotel,” says Minnie Bhatt, the brains behind the designer space.
Large lights in pleated and dyed fabric with a brass pulley system illuminate the dining area; Photographs by Ricken Desai
On the left of the entrance is a bar with tall, hand painted tables. Nearby, a staircase leads to the mezzanine level. The seemingly modest space opens out into a grand dining area with a 20ft ceiling. The majesty of the setting is amplified by large lights in pleated and dyed fabric with a brass pulley system in the centre of the ceiling, reminiscent of British colonial pendant lights.
Close-up of the ceiling lamp; Photographs by Ricken Desai
A row of curved booths are set against a pale jade-painted wooden panel with a matching, bluish green textured backdrop. Huge frames holding antique palm leaf Buddhist manuscripts from Burma, placed on a raw silk mount, elevate the wall. On the other side of the room, a woven chattai panelling is suspended above a long sofa. Original vintage Burmese family photos sourced during a visit to Myanmar line the wall.
Curved booths line the bluish green textured wall with pale jade-painted wood panelling; Photographs by Ricken Desai
The walls along the wooden staircase leading up to the mezzanine are hand painted to depict the landscape of Bagan, perhaps Myanmar’s most iconic city. Large and bespoke jade green peacock chairs mark the entrance of this space, while a lacquered divider screen sourced from Myanmar looms in the backdrop.
Framed antique palm leaf Buddhist manuscripts from Burma elevate this wall; Photographs by Ricken Desai
Just next door from this point is the private dining section, which is marked by a hand painted carpet covering the engineered wooden flooring. Beyond this is the library that houses a staggering collection of lacquerware artefacts from Burma.
Aerial view of the communal dining area on the lower floor; Photographs by Ricken Desai
“Overall the design language has colonial undertones with elements from authentic Burmese culture, just like a colonial style Burmese home that is influenced by the British rule but still firmly rooted in its own cultural heritage and traditions,” says Bhatt.
For more images of Burma Burma in Kolkata, scroll below…
A classic wooden staircase leads to the mezzanine floor; Photographs by Ricken Desai
The walls along the staircase are hand painted to depict the landscape of the ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bagan; Photographs by Ricken Desai
A peek into the private dining area on the mezzanine level; Photographs by Ricken Desai
Pictured here is a hand painted carpet covering the engineered wooden flooring of the private dining section; Photographs by Ricken Desai
An assortment of lacquerware artefacts from Burma line this wall upstairs; Photographs by Ricken Desai
When a previous client of Studio Clay approached the practice to turn a warehouse in Meerut into a bakery, the brief called for a complete overhaul of typical bakery interiors in the city, with mirrored walls, sharply lit spaces and overflowing displays.
“The warehouse was a relatively newer part of Grand 5—a sprawling banquet and fine dining complex, which was designed by us a few years ago. The client visualised it as a voluminous social space, which would stand out for its understated yet classy feel…a departure from the cramped glitz associated with the bakeries of Meerut,” says Asit Gupta, who worked on the project along with Namit Mittal of Studio Clay.
Together, they toyed with a number of ideas ranging from Mumbai’s Irani eateries to old Milanese cafes. But all the different elements failed to merge into one coherent theme until they decided to build upon the underlying feature of the Grand 5 complex—green landscaped spaces. The warehouse was reconfigured such that the ground floor would hold small parties and banquets, while the first floor would house the bakery with a seating area.
The existing PPGI sheet roof was sandwiched between reeds and overlaid with thatched roofing to reduce heat gain; Photographs by Bharat Aggarwal
The perimeter of the property was panelled with glass to bring the outdoors in, with lush green landscaped lawns of the Grand 5 complex converging from all sides. Enchanting imagery of flora and fauna covers the pastel hued walls of the 1,200 sq ft Biscuiteers bakery.
Open panoramic windows wrap around the facade of this petit eatery, with sheer drapery swaying in the breeze, offering verdant vistas. Nature seems to gently sweep in, with hanging flowerpots dotting the ceiling and squat planters lining the periphery of Biscuiteers.
The space has a certain old-world charm with solid wood flooring and an eco-friendly thatched roof. An eclectic assortment of wood and wrought iron furniture as well as traditional swings creates a cosy atmosphere, where people of different ages can relax and have a good time. “When the client wanted to add to seating choices by creating a chaupal-like space in one nook, we went in for ethnic looking seaters in polyresin, cast in situ, to stay true to the overall thematic feel,” asserts Gupta.
The extended party space on the ground level is built around an existing tree. Coupled with the airy bakery on the first floor, there is a distinct feeling on being perched on a branch in an aviary. The wooden display and counters are kept neat and minimal. Subdued lighting adds to the overall effect, bringing to mind quaint bakeries found in Dehradun and other old colonial towns.
Studio Clay as well as the client are happy with the result—a little green oasis that stands out against its urban context and belies its location, the Roorkee-Delhi bypass road. “Lulled by the cultivated natural atmosphere, you can scarcely believe that you’re sitting next to a busy highway and not in some remote tropical island resort sipping cappuccino and nibbling on biscotti,” smiles Gupta.
When Bill Bensley and his teams were asked to design the Hotel de La Coupole, it was a mix of French colonial culture, rice terraced mountains and local ethnic minorities that served as his inspiration.
The catalyst for the entire hotel, he says, was a sight at a “marché aux puces” or flea market in Paris: A 1920s vintage polka dot hat, placed atop a typical Vietnamese hill tribe hat. “What a great thing to do,” he mused, “to make an entire hotel from this idea—Vietnamese hill tribe with a French influence at the turn of the century.”
The fusion of these two stories, the colourful local culture of the Dao and H’mong tribes in the region surrounding Sapa and French haute couture, are present everywhere.
Bright murals of swimmers that were painted in Bill Bensley’s Bangkok based studio adorn the walls of the hotel’s heated Grand Bassin pool; Photographs by Jerome Galland
Sapa was once the summer mountain retreat, where French executives came to escape the heat of Hanoi at the beginning of the 19th century. Enchanted by the cool climate and stunning views of terraced rice paddies turning golden during harvest season, they constructed a village facing the valley, where the hotel now sits.
In the restaurant Chic, porter chairs fuse traditional French style and rattan, while patterns seen on the flooring and cushions resemble costumes of ethnic minorities from northwestern Vietnam; Photographs by Jerome Galland
The lobby is filled with old French travel trunks, vintage hats and dressmaker dummies along with large spools of hill tribe silk. “I have been collecting specifically for this project for the last seven years,” says Bensley.
The Absinthe bar’s key features include bamboo plants that surround the palanquin and the ceiling that’s studded with 3,600 hand scarified mirror tiles; Photographs by Jerome Galland
“I’ve made a considerable effort to use a truckload of antiques gathered from all over the world to tell the story of how the French worked with the Vietnamese back in the day. I love the idea of reusing old objects,” adds Bensley. One of his favourite spaces is the Grand Bassin, an art nouveau styled, heated swimming pool with green marble pillars, pink chandeliers and a fountain. Giant paintings of ladies bathing and statues inspired by the diving posture of Olympic swimmers lend an otherworldly charm.
The coupole (dome) is seen beside the yellow hued facade that references rice paddies during harvest season; Photographs by Jerome Galland
With its yellow hues, resplendent domes, rooftop pavilions and curved iron balconies, the exterior of the hotel pays homage to French Indochine architecture and is reminiscent of a Wes Anderson film. “Because this is a huge building, I wanted it to be broken down in scale like the buildings you’d see in Paris,” says Bill. Two wings divide the U-shaped hotel, with a glass-covered garden down below. High up on the roof, two terraces are linked by a narrow bridge facing the valley. An Instagrammers’ paradise—this is undoubtedly an idyllic spot to contemplate the verdant hilly locale, with a drink in your hand and your head in the clouds.
One week to go and even though we’re all going to have a subdued Diwali, it doesn’t mean we can’t commemorate the festivities. Pick one of these indulgences to add a little spark at your own home or to those near and dear! Here are our recommendations for 19 gifts to make the season a little extra special.
Designed by Angie Kriplani, the Lidm blue designer plates are an arabesque geometric electric blue design made of porcelain and bone china, expertly crafted to be the focal point of every dining room.
Angie Homes
Aroma India
Choose from among a vast array of over 500 sweet-scented candles and fragrances! Each one is hand-poured and made with lead-free wicks and high-quality wax blends that meetinternational standards of safety.
Arrtdd’inox
The lifestyle brand presents a specially curated homeware range, which promises luxury on a budget. We love the Padma Shvet Pooja Thali, which appeals to our traditional spirit, as well as the Sanity Vase, which is as modern as it comes.
Sanity Vase
Baaya Design
Adorable tea lights made of hand beaten copper is manually finished by polishing it with sand and tamarind juice.
Baro Market
Among this brand’s melange of incredible objects, magical motifs and wondrous stories are Kuro Tumblers, hand-painted ceramic ware that’s a great alternative to traditional glassware.
Emery Studio
The Christofle Mood Party is a quirky, egg-shaped storage capsule made of mirror-polished steel with a walnut base interior that brings all the fun to the party. With it comes a set of cutlery that’s specially curated for memorable dining experiences.
Good Earth
Apt gifting options from this design house’s latest releases are the Mehraab and Gul Bagh Cushions, the Papier Mache range, Terracotta Decor and even the Kavella Candle Base!
Good Earth
IKEA
The Swedish furniture giant introduces KNASTRIGT, a line of decoratives inspired by Indian folklore, which is contemporarised to give the festivities a modern spin.
Ivana Steiner
This coffee table by Ivana Steiner is completely handmade. Its sculptural shape and glossy structure are achieved by glassblowers. The tables have smooth glass surfaces and on closer inspection one notices bubbles within the glass that is—in the designer’s opinion—a celebration of imperfections and artisanal work!
Wichard by Ivana Steiner
Kaunteya We’re crushing on the brand’s tableware and crockery sets that are flawlessly adorned with intricate, silkscreen printed designs and hand-decorated for vibrant colours. While the pieces from the Pichwai collection are inspired by Indian mythology, their other offering also comes with a touch of 24K gold, turning it into an heirloom.
Kika
Go wild with festive plans, as this venture’s tableware gift sets offer a look at untouched nature at its best.
Gift set by Kika Tableware
NoMad
Drawing inspiration from the lush spice gardens of southern India, NoMad’s line of Vasita candles brings home the aromas of cardamom, cloves and sandalwood, allowing your mind to escape to a tropical meadow.
Utsav table
PortsideCafé
In a wonderfully fragrant collection with Niana, PortsideCafé’s candles encased in frosted grey glass with a leather and buckle jacket, are like a breath of fresh air for your home. These are made with natural soya wax and have a unique silver fir incense.
Candle collection by Niana for PortsideCafé
Re|Arrange
The Eirene Silver Lining Cushion is a versatile, buildable and classic design with a modern twist that brings a Baroque vibe to any space. The silver-lined faux silk is adorned with a damask pattern, which hints at its exquisite intricacy.
SanSar One of the newest ventures on the block, this one is a favourite for its zero-waste philosophy and exclusive use of recycled fabric. Its product range includes cushions, throws, bean bags, pouffes, table linens, table mats, runners and coasters.
Sarita Handa
Steeped in Indian heritage, Sarita Handa’s Festive Collection 2020 includes tea light holders, lanterns, metal flower vases, lightweight iron trays, and table linen—which fuse modern, contemporary and classic sensibilities.
Sarita Handa Festive Collection
Teabox One of India’s premium luxury tea trademarks, this season comes with the finest curation of fresh organic teas. Every gift-box is curated with exquisite blends that are packed with immunity-boosting, healthy, wholesome teas that are inspired by tradition.
The Cushion Project
Cushions that are handmade at every stage, from the yarn to the fabric. With handcrafted embroidery, unparalleled designs and invigorating colours, this line can convert any house into a home.
The Cushion Project
Tribe Home by Tribe Amrapali
Vishnu and Lakshmi on Garuda Handmade Painting
A pioneer in the tribal aesthetics, Tribe Amrapali’s skillfully curated collection of paintings are the ideal gift for art lovers. The luxurious paintings are handcrafted compositions, made on handmade paper with water colours and 24K gold leaf.
Taking a leaf off our August–September 2020 issue theme, we’re looking at ways to be at home and happy! And here’s one of our favourite options. We suggest you follow suit and fulfil your sweet tooth cravings this Diwali with these drool-worthy delicacies from four of the best confectionaries in the country.
Arq
Folding in a touch of European charm into a classic Indian favourite, Grandma’s besan ladoo infuses dark Belgian truffle in scrumptious balls that are impossible to resist. A distinct flavour of sweet and citric consisting of tangerine and Malta oranges, this new Orangina tangy delight is folded into Gurmandi almond paste to make the perfect mithai for this festive occasion.
Berfila
Zesty, sweet and delicious, the rich flavoured and colourful Fruit Punch Peda is made using berries and citrus fruits. With every bite, one can’t help but reminisce about childhood afternoons filled with rainbow-hued tangy jello. For more refined palates, the Jaggery Sesame Truffle is a clear winner. Its blend of spicy caramel jaggery, nutty sesame seeds and artisanal khoya integrates a hint of cocoa, creating a saccharine, multicultural fusion that leaves you enraptured with its irresistible taste and texture.
These mojito ladoos are sure to enervate and excite the most jaded tastebuds with lemon zest mint, and just the right amount of sweetness. Nihira also offers an assortment of differently sized boxes—starting at four to 15—to pack in a variety of delicacies of your choice.
A beloved snack of grown-ups and children alike, these crunchy chikkis made using jaggery, sugar and assorted nuts and seeds are perfect for any occasion. We love the array of flavours available—Smoked Almond, Chocolate Miso and The Five Seed Chikki.
The Patissa chocolate fingers from Bombay Sweet Shop
And if that’s not enough, check out the Patissa chocolate fingers that will transport you to your childhood with a burst of delicious nostalgia. They are also made available in a coconut caramel flavour, making it that much harder for us to resist these sugar-filled indulgences.
Khoya’s scrumptious box of vibrant sweets is perfect to brighten up your Diwali! The lip-smacking pink-hued coconut ladoo, Kesar Peda and Kesar Khoya Ladoo will leave you wishing you had more! A visit to their candy floss-hued store will make you never want to leave.
Their elegant New Delhi store is all about that mithai life with quirky interiors and a fun neon sign that says ‘Be a monster, eat a ladoo’
Alfonso Cadena’s concept restaurant Hueso makes no “bones” about its appearance! Lurking in a 1940s building of modern architecture in the capital of Jalisco, the birthplace of tequila and mariachi music, the eatery appeals to both contemporary sensibilities as well as atavistic inclinations.
It is conceptualised by Mexican architect and designer Ignacio Cadena of Cadena + Asociados Concept Design. Just one step in and we see how easily it strikes a chord with all those who visit, calling out to the primal part embedded in our psyche, a hereditary figment of caveman recollections.
Covered from floor to ceiling in bones of varying shapes and sizes, its stark light palette sets a modern context, where the bleached look of the bones lends a surreal quality.
Artisanal handcrafted ceramic tiles envelop the exterior; Photographs by Jaime Navarro
Luis Barragan’s Foundation and Diaz Morales’s House Studio in the iconic Lafayette Design District of Guadalajara, forms the backdrop of Hueso, which translates to ‘bone’ in Spanish. Artisanal handcrafted ceramic tiles envelop the exterior, setting the tone for the white and grey interiors.
Bones make an appearance right at the entrance of the restaurant; Photographs by Jaime Navarro
An astounding assortment of 10,000 organic bones covers most of the bare brick walls in almost a Darwinian narrative of life. Peppered with objets, cooking tools and artistic renditions, a modern canvas emerges, where textures and forms draw the eye, as it traces the shifting white shapes all around.
Steam-bent wooden cafe style chairs flank a long table; Photographs by Jaime Navarro
Steam-bent wooden cafe chairs flank a long wooden table, while a glass display case near the white staircase hosts a collection of specimens, giving a distinct feeling of being transported to a natural history museum. The bleached white and grey palette continues into the bathroom, where sleek white tiles offset a decorative horned animal skull.
Scroll to see more images of this Mexican restaurant…
The walls of Hueso are covered in organic bones, cooking tools and artistic works by urban visual artists; Photographs by Jaime Navarro
The double-heighted space features furniture designed by Ignacio Cadena; Photographs by Jaime Navarro
Ceramics by José Noé Suro are seen throughout; Photographs by Jaime Navarro
Close-up of the window area; Photographs by Jaime Navarro
The facade as seen through the windows; Photographs by Jaime Navarro
A glass display case is pictured near the staircase on the right; Photographs by Jaime Navarro
The white on white palette adds to the organic theme; Photographs by Jaime Navarro
In an exhibit of sorts, bones line the entire stairway; Photographs by Jaime Navarro
View of both storeys also showcases the dead tree trunk seen in the backdrop beyond the tables. The lighting is designed by Ignacio Cadena; Photographs by Jaime Navarro
The glass display case holds a collection of specimens. The aluminium cast bones are by Mauricio and Sebastián Lara; Photographs by Jaime Navarro
An astounding assortment of 10,000 organic bones covers most of the bare brick walls; Photographs by Jaime Navarro
Another view of the display case; Photographs by Jaime Navarro
The ceramics at Hueso are by José Noé Suro; Photographs by Jaime Navarro
Hueso is dominated by a white and grey palette from the walls to the decor; Photographs by Jaime Navarro
The bleached white and grey palette continues into the bathroom, where sleek white tiles offset a decorative horned animal skull; Photographs by Jaime Navarro
Close-up of a wall covered in organic bones, cooking tools and artistic works; Photographs by Jaime Navarro
Chef Alfonso Cadena, the culinary mind behind Hueso; Photographs by Jaime Navarro
Being approached to design a heritage property with a resplendent historic legacy brought with it an inherent sense of pride, privilege and responsibility even for interior designer Vivek Kadecha.
The brief included the structural revamp of Lalit Palace, a 35-year-old restaurant located in a posh Ahmedabad neighbourhood. This meant that the newer version had to live up to the eatery’s reputation and sync with its identity, while also serving as a benchmark for similar franchises across India in the future.
Of course, over the past three decades, the architecture had been renovated numerous times. However, those efforts resulted in an unorganised and complex frame. So, Kadecha, with the guidance of structural engineer Deval Soni, decided to start afresh and tear down the existing levels and mezzanine floors.
A regal, copper vaulted archway ushers customers in; Photographs by Dhrupad Shukla
It was only the structure was stripped down did the team experience the 14 ft high, raw, hollow structure to experiment with. That’s when they began to visualise its rebirth and transformation. “I have always believed that spaces have the power to ignite certain emotions and feelings. And for this project we definitely wanted a palatial look and ambience,” shares the designer, founder and principal at Vivek Kadecha Interiors, Lifestyle & Design.
Warm light bounces against the arched frame bifurcating the seating area; Photographs by Dhrupad Shukla
Kadecha continues, “Nothing paints a picture of aristocracy better than arches, which is why they were essential architectural elements in the construction. We’ve shaped them as grand, copper vaulted entrances, bifurcations in the seating and even as wall panels.”
Lalit Palace’s logo, a new design by 3 Dot Designs, is made using metal and mounted on the wall; Photographs by Dhrupad Shukla
Another feature that’s reminiscent of the past are the gorgeous art deco styled balconies. These curved, metal-clad structures were especially hard to construct owing to their cantilevered state and the fragile condition of the building. Since these were the first portions visible from the particularly busy street, Kadecha wanted to ensure that they were welcoming without being too overwhelming. So, he chose a copper finish for the balconies that paired elegantly with the subtle grey texture seen on the facade.
Old, sepia-toned photographs capturing the restaurant’s iconic moments and events line the walls of the restaurant; Photographs by Dhrupad Shukla
Underneath these balconies, a glass enclosed seating area has been fashioned to face the road. It is a particularly popular spot for breakfast. The niche is done up with a copper ceiling and regal blue tapestries re-upholstered as sofas to offer a royal start to their day! Old, sepia-toned photographs marking landmark celebrations and events over the restaurant’s lifetime line the walls, bringing in a touch of nostalgia and timelessness.
Soft lime pink and grey wall plasters by Limocoat hint at the venue’s historic allure; Photographs by Dhrupad Shukla
Delicate hues and finishes like lime pink or the subtle grey lime-based texture by Limocoat soften the masculine form of the arches. The furniture takes a bold spin as we spot black-and-white chevron and stripe patterns on chairs as well as a red faux leather sofa and turquoise blue fabric with orange detailing.
An array of materials can be seen right from the Statuario marble finished, vitrified table tops from Qutone to the wooden grid ceiling; Photographs by Dhrupad Shukla
The classy furniture pieces rest atop Abu black marble floors—a monotonal base for an outburst of a vibrance. Adding a final touch of drama are bird-shaped origami pendant lights perched in flocks, over each table setting.
Scroll below to see more images of the magnificent Lalit Palace restaurant by Vivek Kadecha…
Cosy booths set the mood for an intimate meal with family and friends; Photographs by Dhrupad Shukla
A wide variety of plants, sourced from My Bageecha, enliven the setting; Photographs by Dhrupad Shukla
The furnishings are an elegant mix of old and new, and range from refashioned floral tapestries to modern upholstery fabrics; Photographs by Dhrupad Shukla
With our lives slowly easing back into the new normal, the one thing we’re raring to do is go out and eat. Even if it means sitting at arm’s length from our friends and family. So, we’ve scoured the country and rounded up a list of restaurants from across India with incredible decor that are on our wish list. Scroll below for our recommendations…
Olive by Sabina Singh and Vipasna Designs This outpost of AD Singh’s Olive is perched on a cliff in North Goa and is a soulful treat! With a breezy atmosphere and cosy interiors (see above), the restaurant is designed by Sabina Singh and Vivek Popli of Vipasna Designs. It offers unobstructed views of the sea below, making it the perfect place to enjoy a well curated menu amid breathtaking coastal beauty. Where: Vagator, Goa
This cafe stands out with its vibrant blue exteriors and an old-world charm. Revamped by Design Ethics Architecture Studio, it features soothing colours, light-filled interiors and neatly curated design details inspired by all things European. So, if you’re looking for a quiet afternoon with a warm coffee surrounded by art and greenery, this is the place for you! Where: Essex Farms, Delhi
Rubber wood and textured veneer are used sparingly for the ceiling complimenting the overall tones and texture of the space; Ice Cube
This first-of-its-kind resto bar is spread across two floors with the restaurant on the lower level and a lounge and discotheque on the upper level. From dark, sophisticated interiors to strobing LED lights, it’s got it all to become the city’s new hotspot! Where: Hubli, Karnataka
The staircase becomes an integral part of the experience featuring tons of pop culture graphics; Ice Cube
The facade features locally made arched doors with fluted glass; La Loca Maria
Sitting pretty in a quaint bylane of Bandra is a new entrant in the financial capital’s thriving cultural scene. A brainchild of Chef Manuel Olveira Seller, this restaurant is an ode to his mother and his Spanish roots. Collaborating with local artists, the interiors by Rohit Bhoite features hand painted murals of strong feminine characters and an overall exciting vibe! Where: Bandra, Mumbai
Neutral tones with pops of yellow make up the interior spaces; Cafe Rasa
Overlooking the Mandovi river, this cafe is a vibrant yet peaceful coworking space offering soul food and refreshing drinks to patrons. Designed by Aadil Salim of Rubber Soul, it is characterised by unusual and quirky aesthetics, and fun decor to cater to every kind of soiree! Where: Panjim, Goa
Subko by Stand Design
A view of the seating area; Subko
Chic yet exotic is how one would describe this quaint cafe. Subko nestled in a quiet lane and Stand Design have accommodated a reading room, community table and a work-friendly zone. Their specialty is the ‘Bloom Bar’–a roastery where coffee beans are roasted fresh and packaged in front of you! Plus, we’ve heard great things about their sourdough bread and chocolate cookies! Where: Bandra, Mumbai
The cafe features a customized manual brewing trolley ‘Bloom Bar’, Subko
As a tribute to our country’s vibrant and varied flavours, architect Abhigyan Neogi of Chromed Design Studio fashions a fusion restaurant in Houston, Texas that serves delicacies from the Indian subcontinent. Christened Musaafer, the 11,000 sq ft restaurant and bar—as the name suggests—takes patrons on a food journey, as it brings a manifestation of diverse cultural elements and influences, gathered from 29 states in India.
The journey truly began when two chefs set foot in India and made it their goal to travel across its length and breadth while gathering various stories and experiences along the way. These memories became the building blocks for the eatery. The idea was to bring back age-old regional recipes that were long forgotten, to make people reminisce and appreciate older days.
A collaboration of different states in India is reflected in Musaafer’s eclectic menu, while the interiors are set apart by their distinct regional allure. Additional references such as artefacts from traditional spice markets and ornate visual frames in royal palaces can be spotted throughout the space.
Located in Houston, Texas, Musaafer’s intent is to showcase India in an authentic manner that honours her culinary diversity; Photographs courtesy Chromed Design Studio
With an amalgamation of traditional entities coupled with elementary style, the restaurant gives diners a preview of India through a royal lens. This is helped with authentic recipes and cultural journeys—leading to the curation of a vast menu. The vibrancy of Indian cuisine makes Musaafer stand out as the first-of-its-kind in Texas.
Abhigyan Neogi, principal architect of Chromed Design Studio, vividly incorporates natural lighting in Musaafer’s design scheme; Photographs courtesy Chromed Design Studio
Designed to enthrall visitors, the grand space welcomes customers. Witnessed here are a crystal chandelier, paintings and artwork, as well as a 7ft-tall sculpture of a traveller as a homage to the venue’s name.
Culturally enlightening, the venue is divided into various zones; Photographs courtesy Chromed Design Studio
The interiors are inspired by the diwan-e-khaas, the hall of private audiences where regional kings and emperors would hold meetings. To realise this concept, a private dining area is designed to host intimate gatherings for larger groups. Illuminators with polygonal forms by Anila Quayyum Agha hang above and add a touch of nostalgia.
A dining area and open-kitchen are revealed from the main entrance; Photographs courtesy Chromed Design Studio
Further inside the restaurant, inverted lamps in different colours, fabrics and patterns lead the way to the second level. An eye-catching installation here features 16ft-long sequences of wooden arch colonnades that repeat in patterns throughout the restaurant.
The second level entrance showcases a traditional Dhokra Wall, with brass carvings and panels of rich brocade; Photographs courtesy Chromed Design Studio
On the upper level, a Dhokra Wall with brass panels and carvings alongside rich brocade paves the way into the private dining room called Sheesh Mahal. This space is named such for the 2,00,000 antique and hand-cut mirrors that line its ceiling—a true illustration of opulence and grandeur, inspired by its namesake in Agra.
The Shadow Room, a private dining area tucked behind the Traveler’s Room, is dedicated for the restaurant’s 12-course tasting menu; Photographs courtesy Chromed Design Studio
Most of the seating space is positioned within and around the double-heighted courtyard, which features extravagant, ceiling-mounted lighting. The bar front features chitai work (the art of beating metal to create patterns) from Rajasthan. We love the nostalgic touch that an original, wall-mounted photograph of the carved chitai work in Jaisalmer brings in. Across the bar, the kitchen area is clad in a quirky range of elements including the famous Benarsi fabric and Dhokra sculptures.
By using this website, you consent to our use of cookies. For more information, visit our Cookie Policy
