Coffee culture continues to evolve across the planet, and especially in countries with the most disposable income we’ve seen the most interesting formats popping up, offering either specialty blends, alluring design-led settings, or simply both. Mind you, the coffee parlour has even become a gentrification or wealth indicator for many a neighbourhood. Straddling the expanse of the Indian Ocean, the Akkarai area is an emerging leafy area in Chennai, one of India‘s biggest cities. Largely residential, it may lack the level of lifestyle businesses of the equally upscale, southern Panaiyur neighbourhood, but this is slowly changing, and the recent opening of the Eventide café is indicative of this trend.

Occupying a purpose-built concrete structure along bustling East Coast Road, the neighbourhood’s main artery, the establishment measures 279 sqm. (3,000 sq.ft.). Designed by local architecture and design practice Billboards, which additionally took are of café’s branding and packaging design, the premises are on the one hand a brand statement inspired by the nearby beach, but also peaceful getaway from the outside hustle and bustle. Upon entering Eventide‘s voluminous, light-filled space, visitors instantly see a large, curved counter stuccoed in a warm earth tone, while the arched back panels feature a gradation of earthy hues. This striking pièce de résistence, situated below a large skylight, also comes with an equally curved suspended light installation.

On the side, a tiered satellite display in similarly coloured stucco can be found, laden with branded Eventide merchandise. The back and side walls are dipped in a complementary, muted beach-like shade. The counter is flanked by various seating areas, featuring a variety of furnishings, ranging from upholstered low benches paired with timber tables and chairs, to a large communal co-working table with chairs, and even a table comprising of glass blocks. Concealed behind the aforementioned arched back panels is the entrance to Eventide‘s kitchen, restrooms, utility room, and backyard. The Eventide menu lists a variety of classic coffee concoctions, in addition to syrup tea, matcha and hot chocolate. © superfuture