Barcelos, a theme restaurant in Mumbai, 2,345 square feet (carpet area) large, was completed in November last year. Designed by Shilpa Jain-Balvally and Sameer Balvally of Studio Osmosis (a Mumbai-based design firm), the eatery exudes an inviting vibe, embodying the Portuguese culture through its vibrant interiors. “With a background so culturally rich, the design of the restaurant was bound to take inspiration from the prevailing colours and elements of Barcelos and also have a dash of the town's essence into its interiors. The client's vision was a space that not only captures the visual and tangible elements of Portugal but also the lively and festive experience that forms a big part of the Portuguese culture,” say Shilpa and Sameer.
Barcelos, Navi Mumbai | A Longitudinal Floor Plan
The design of this theme restaurant in Mumbai features a bold colour palette, taking cues from the streets of Barcelos, and is paired with equally pronounced interior elements. A stained glass facade, striking subway tiles, tasteful lighting fixtures, artworks reminiscent of elements from Portugal along with the addition of plants and a combination of seating arrangements come together to equip the space with a fun and lively ambiance. A majority of the indoor space, along the length of this longitudinal layout is dedicated to seating and the bar is strategically placed to the left as soon as you enter; it is also accessible from the outdoor area. Washrooms and storage are situated further ahead to the left and the kitchen is positioned horizontally across at the far end.
Barcelos, Navi Mumbai | A Unique Identity
"Another aspect of interest and challenge was that Barcelos being a brand had some standard barcelos map/story and graffiti that was to be included as a norm yet it was to be a completely unique design and not similar to any other Barcelos,” says Shilpa.
Barcelos, Navi Mumbai | A Multi-Coloured Scheme
The outdoor space is defined by a pergola embellished with hanging planters and fairy lights. The outdoor furniture, custom made (hand-woven) by artisans at ‘Retyrement Plan' (created by Anu Tandon Vieira), from sustainable materials, is consistent with the overall bright, lively theme. Patterned tiles that take over a part of the flooring together with the stained glass facade further enhance the entire outdoor vibe.
Barcelos, Navi Mumbai | A Welcoming Decor
The indoors greet you with an equally lively decor. Columns are clad in green subway tiles, two of which feature attached display shelves. The wall with a plain green finish is punctured with stained glass windows that continually bring in natural light through these coloured panels. The floor portrays a combination of wooden flooring and patterned tiles along with the use of brick to define the boundaries of both. The industrial ceiling imparts a raw touch to the pre-dominantly multi-coloured space, featuring an assortment of lighting fixtures suspended from it. One set of pendant lights have been customised to portray the distinct Portuguese blue pottery patterns over it. This 130-seater restaurant displays a mix of seating arrangements—booth, formal, community as well as bar seating to cater to your needs and preferences.
The live kitchen overlooks the indoor seating, facilitating interaction between the chefs and the guests. The bar space is defined by the use of tile grids on the bar front and the bar back.
Studio Osmosis, through their design, have imparted a distinct identity to the space while reflecting the city's elements and the Portuguese culture overall, bringing together contemporary and Mediterranean styles under one roof.
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