We designed the interiors and branding for Gymkana, one of London's top Indian restaurants in Mayfair.
Our brief was to create a space that evoked the age of the British Raj India, with a strong mix of Indian and British cultural and design references.
Creating the atmosphere of the time, we designed dark and stained oak flooring with high ceiling fans that hang from a dark-lacquered oak ceiling. Adorning the walls are low-cut glass wall lamps from Jaipur, hunting trophies from the Maharaja of Jodhpur and Grandmother Sethi’s barometer.
Evocative of the gymkhana clubs, the dining room is flanked by turned oak booths with marble tables. Luxurious leather banquettes with fluted, buttoned and metal pin details surround the tables.
Brass edged tables and rattan chairs sprinkle the main dining space that is hung with Punch sketches, Indian sports prints and Air India postcards. Mottled and lead sheets of framed glass create ambient screening throughout the dining space.
A large bianco carrara marble top bar stands before an antique window mirror panel work providing a theatrical backdrop to the room.
The lower ground floor is a modern-day interpretation of a 17th Century East India punch house.
The grand aged brass bar is at its heart with solid timber front and regency style panelling.
The room features slatted oak wall panelling, porcelain chequerboard floor tiles and inky blue leather love booths and banquettes, whilst two secluded, sunken vaults will seat larger groups. People can dine at the bar counter or in the intimate ‘love booth’ seating sofas.