A speakeasy inside a Mayan cave?

Not your average speakeasy, Tejal Mathur crafts an all-consuming design narrative at Ocho, Mumbai

11 Jun 2025

Narnia lurking behind our closet. We’re far from the Prohibition era, and yet we cannot resist the allure of a speakeasy. A room within a room, a walk down the wrong staircase, and you may just stumble into a night of revelry. What’s not to love?

But that’s not all you get at Ocho in Mumbai. As you get off on the wrong floor, walk down the stairs and throw caution to the wind (i.e. studiously ignore the sign warning you not to enter plastered on the door), you may think you have it all figured out. But the real intrigue awaits behind the entrance. You’re not just entering a speakeasy — you’re stumbling into the ruins of a Mayan cave. Shrouded in shadows, the 2,500 sq ft space designed by Tejal Mathur Designs boasts glyphs carved on the walls, imposing sculptures and dim, dim lighting. Forget ducking into alleys or whispering passwords through a door crack. Patrons, meet the modern speakeasy tailored for the 21st century.

Cavernous origins

The decision to model Ocho after a Mayan cave is not as far-fetched as it may seem. Tejal reveals, “Rajit Shetty (CEO of Ramee Hospitality), approached me to create a dark speakeasy that would turn into a high-energy place post midnight on weekends.” One thing led to another as the menu’s Latin American fare spurred forth a unique vision. A dive into the history of the cuisine’s place of origin, and the mysterious Mayan civilisation and their sacred caves came to light. The Mayans famously believed that these dark caves were entrances to the underworld. And intriguingly enough, their civilisation’s gradual decline continues to baffle scholars worldwide to date.

Seeped in mystery (a quality a speakeasy must have), the Mayan’s distinctive cultural relics became the springboard for Ocho’s cave-like interiors. The highlight? An inverted volcano crafted out of black lava rock spans across the ceiling, swirling with light that syncs to a live percussionist — almost like an otherworldly portal that could swallow you in at any moment!

Behind closed doors

Three words that describe the space’s energy? Tejal gives us three sentences instead. “A veil of mystery. A room for vices. A vault of secrets,” he enthuses. The intent set in place, the challenge remained in making sure the interiors reflect that same sense of discovery, of “recreating the authenticity and mood of a cave stumbled upon,” affirms the designer. The sculpture artists have carefully imbued the Mayan warrior sculptures and wall glyphs with an antiquated feel. Crafted from lightweight concrete, they appear as if they were crafted in a bygone era.

No overhead lighting has been used. Table and floor lamps cast wispy shadows across the interiors, adding to the tenebrous interiors. Cast in dramatic jewel tones, the plush armchairs, curving high chairs and leopard-print suede sofas sink right into this dim space. The aim? You can see what’s on your plate, but you shouldn’t see who’s on the table next to you.

Contrary to conventional speakeasies, Ocho hands you the key to enter (the exact location on Google Maps, to be precise) upfront — no sleuthing or popping into dark alleys involved. It flips the script, the all-consuming destination outweighing the journey.