Split over two levels, Tamarind Kichen offers 100 covers, with a private dining room for up to 20 guests, as well as a subterranean cocktail bar for late night drinking. The interior, artfully designed by Russell Sage Studios, blends soulful touches with traditional elements in a way that chimes perfectly with the restaurant’s ethos.
“We were asked to design a space that would envelop guests in the sights, sounds and tastes of India,” explains Russell Sage, from Russell Sage Studios. “A place rich in texture and full of both light and shade to suit guests personal moods.
“The clients are young, energetic and passionate about their business and the ‘mother venue’, the original Tamarind of Mayfair, is a legendary business, so this gave me great inspiration.
“There has been a huge interest in the Indian restaurant market over recent years, for which we played our part when we designed Dishoom Shoreditch a few years ago. I loved researching and developing this project, so was thrilled to be given the chance to bring fresh knowledgeable design energy to this sector again.”
Quality craftsmanship is key to the restaurant’s interior, and is expressed through the traditional timber features, distinct colours and patterned textiles. The attention to detail displayed by Russell Sage Studios ensures that diners experience a welcoming and immersive journey of discovery from the moment they enter the restaurant.
Each tabletop within the restaurant, for example, was chosen by one of four handpicked artisan producers, including Studio Mattes – a celebrated Belgium-based stoneware supplier.
“We moved the typical Indian restaurant interior scene along to combine quality, comfort and detailing,” says Russell. “We’ve mixed our lighting design and involved the projection of Bollywood movies to make sure that the interior is visually stimulating.
“We’ve also played with the authenticity of some aspects of the interior so that it is an Indian restaurant with saturated colour and luminous upholstery, planting and coloured light design.
“The very first time I went to India, it was with the British Council and I was whisked straight to the Delhi Gymkhana Club, which is one of the oldest clubs in the country. It was an amazing mix of historic traditional and 1970’s décor – it was amazingly inspirational.”
It is clear to see that the guest experience has been considered from every angle in the interior design of Tamarind Kitchen – from authentic touches such as the illuminated base tables in the front window which Russell modelled on an old Delhi Club, to the design team’s collaboration with hospitality branding guru, Kevin Hill to tell an emotional story.
“It was a lovely project to work on as Tamarind Kitchen has properly invested in it being a quality interior, which will thrive beautifully and become a much-loved local restaurant,” affirms Russell.
“As with our Social Eating House interior for Jason Atherton a few years ago, I think Tamarind Kitchen adds a rich and elegant setting to the Soho neighbourhood, which gives guests outstanding quality and comfort, but also preserves the local character.”
