When we sat down to design this restaurant in Bandra, we knew that we wanted to capture the soul of Mexico while trying to encapsulate some of its elements and brazenness. Mexico is known for its rich culture, ancient ruins, dazzling beaches, incredible cuisine, dry expanses of cacti lands, vivid hues, and its unique architectural language. We have intentionally not gone down the route of street art and strong pops of vivid colours; instead, we have tried to see Mexico through our lens and what it stands for.
Editor’s Note: In a symphony of Mexican allure and contemporary flair, Pompa emerges as a beacon of artistic fusion in Mumbai’s bustling Bandra. It marries traditional Mexican motifs with modern sensibilities, weaving a narrative that celebrates both vibrancy and elegance. From terracotta floors to jewel-toned accents and ornamental details, Pompa embodies a nuanced homage to Mexico’s rich cultural heritage, creating a space that is as captivating as it is inviting. – Shagun Shah
This Restaurant in Bandra Captures The Soul of Mexico | The Orange Lane
The staircase leading to the restaurant immerses you in the vibrant party atmosphere that Mexicans are known for, all while embracing the beauty of nature. A striking red vertical slat entry with printed and colourful tiles splashed on either side of the staircase and mirror work on the riser of the staircase lead up to a glamorous stairway. The foyer and the landing space have deep emerald green ceramic flooring with walls having white and sage green mouldings, against which lies a huge wicker tamarind-shaped bench as a showstopper and a tiny window with stained glass work importing you into the theme of Mexico.
The area around the “Pompa” signage invites visitors to relax and pose, creating a perfect photo booth setting. The reception area has stained glass windows with cacti and the setting moon in the terrain and mountains in the background against actual cacti in deep blue ceramic pots transporting you into the lands of Mexico. A cluster of masks wearing floral crowns dominates the opposite wall as a tribute to the ancestral history and traditions of this vivid country.
Against the wall stand the hostess desks, strips, and tassels dangling at the bottom for a glamorous bohemian vibe. Both bathrooms are designed with a focus on creating a cohesive and connected spatial experience. The use of red tiles, particularly those with printed patterns, serves as a prominent highlight within the overall design scheme. Additionally, the basin integrates seamlessly into a concave red tile, creating a distinctive and visually appealing feature. Positioned strategically in front of a full-length slanted mirror, this design choice not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the space but also contributes to a sense of continuity and unity throughout the entire bathroom.
The entire Bandra restaurant has terracotta flooring, which is reminiscent of the earthy villas of Mexico. We have classic half-height white panelled walls that are a distinct feature in the upper crust of Mexican homes. A gorgeous shade of sage green envelopes the entire skin of the walls and ceiling. On one side, we feature printed sofas and Mexican blankets, also known as serapes or sarapes, which showcase the vibrant and iconic textiles with rich cultural significance in Mexico.
These blankets typically include stripes, diamonds, and zigzag patterns, reflecting the indigenous heritage and cultural diversity of Mexico. The colour combinations used in these blankets are eye-catching and symbolic. Thus representing various elements of nature and indigenous traditions, which we have used as wall art. Meanwhile, on the other end, we’ve got beautiful natural light streaming in through muslin cloth curtains.
The sofa and high-top seating are in strong, bold colours of fabric, with tassel details in the borders adding a touch of glam. The hanging lights made from fabric and tassel detail add a touch of elegance and ornamental flair to the fixture. They are housed in a scattered format to match the furniture style throughout the space.
The bar area is the star of the whole space, which has a huge wooden circular tree-like structure. It is well-lit from all angles, creating an inviting and captivating ambiance. Additionally, it is housed within a seamless circular bar counter, featuring stub lights from every side. Thus ensuring the bar is well-lit from various angles. The bar fascia, clad in red tile and featuring an inwardly curved shape, creates a distinctive and visually interesting texture, enhanced by the brass footrest. The sofa seating on an elevated emerald green floor evokes a sense of richness and finesse. Earthen urns and old green bottles back it up, bringing a rustic and timeless quality to the space. Thus infusing it with a sense of history and character.
Vintage terracotta pots dot the spaces, bringing Mexico’s pottery tradition to Mumbai. The entire space balances with greens and miniature pots of succulents and creepers. Colourful heritage windows form the façade with beautiful Mexican architecture in strong colours of green and off-white. Whereas, the scallop-styled curtain is deep red to filter the natural light inside.
The design envisions “Mexican” as a vibrant, visually immersive restaurant in the city of Bandra that not only pays homage to traditional Mexican aesthetics but also embraces modern design elements. The design aims to transport patrons to the heart of Mexico through its captivating and culturally rich interior design.
Fact File
Designed by: The Orange Lane
Project Type: Restaurant/Bar/Cafe
Project Name: Pompa, Bandra
Location: Mumbai
Built-up Area: 4000 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Shabnam Gupta
Photograph Courtesy: Pulkit Sehgal
Firm’s Website Link: The Orange Lane
Firm’s Instagram Link: The Orange Lane
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