An Indo-European fusion cultivated in an environment of sophistication sheds light on Natraj Hospitality’s latest venture in Chembur — N Bar & Grill. The touch of elegance and a fine dining experience — in the literal sense — is brought alive by designer Sumessh Menon.

The design approach to the restaurant chooses to adopt an artistic approach where the interior ambience takes shape with sculptural forms and artwork. They create an exclusive definition of design which is specific to this place. When we say artwork, it is not typical Indian motifs which take imagery but just a sense of Indian art complemented with indigenous materials and techniques across the interior which has a distinctly western sensibility and together they revel in the fusion aura. A seamless blend of two design languages proposes an inviting space. The 2100 sq. Ft space is divided into a large fine-dining restaurant with a private dining area, and an interconnected lounge bar with a separate entrance.

At the entrance, The wooden slats on the glass facade set the degree of connectivity between the inside and the outside. Upon entry, subtle hues of gold percolate the space amidst a plush environment. They add the tinge of an Indian flavour. Layered waves of hammered brass adorn the wall above the fine dining section which is furnished with rich leather sofas. The entire restaurant glorifies with the self-designed lights by Sumeshh himself.

The private dining space has been designed as a woman-centric space expressing its exclusivity for women on their luncheons. To emphasize the classy nature and to portray the privacy of the space as an element of opulence, the gold hues in this space have been overplayed with. The wall texture, the velvet chairs and the mural print on plywood as well are based in shades of gold. The mural is a blatant expression of a woman-centric space.

The lounge area again has its distinct feel to it which separates it from the fine and private dining spaces. Although a melange of styles, repetition and modification of elements binds the space as one. The wooden slats at the entrance make a repeat appearance at the lounge walls and a modified version of it takes over the ceiling incorporating the wave form as well in exposed plywood. The look and feel of the lounge space is more towards trendy notes to suit the likes of its visitors.

The division between the lounge and fine dining is treated with different types of glass-coloured, stained, blown, textured, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. It adds an element of interest to both the spaces. Mauve velvet seating suffices the lack of variety in colour at the restaurant and is an important player in setting apart the language of the lounge.

Design: Sumessh Menon, Sumessh Menon + Associates
Flooring: Beautex Flooring
Lighting: Flos Italy from Firefly
Customade Lights: Mettalurgist: Valay Gada / Micheal Rodrigues
Artwork: Arrti Mansinghka, BlueBicycleDesign
Equipment & Music: Genelec
Glass: Khozem Glass

This project was featured in VM&RD magazine. VM&RD is India’s only magazine on Visual Merchandising and Retail Design and was launched in September 2005, VM&RD underscores the best there is to the systematic art of creating a complete retail experience. Each issue of the magazine focuses on all aspects of retail design and visual merchandising in the context of branded shopping environment.