Location: Jio World Plaza, BKC, Mumbai
Opening Date: 18th October 2024
Area: 2,130 sq ft, approximately
Architect/Design Firm: Holland Harvey Architects
Photography Credits: EL&N London
During my visit to London, a bakehouse dolled up in pinks and pastels had taken me by surprise. Stationed in the premier posting of Mayfair was EL&N London, readying up for a hoard of guests. Now, years after and a missed opportunity later, it somehow delights me that one of London’s most beloved cafes arrives in my country, disembarking in Mumbai. Established by Alexandra Miller in 2017, this lifestyle brand and cafe EL&N London inaugurated its first outlet in Mumbai at the Jio World Plaza, BKC, on the 18th of October this year. EL&N London has over thirty-seven branches globally, spanning upscale destinations like Paris and Dubai.
Usually, I do not have a sweet tooth or care too much for pink, but I think one’s judgment can change. Just as I meander into the blushing interiors of this London-based cafe, set in the otherwise grey buildings of BKC, I fear my opinion may be up for debate. Limiting it to just an “Instagrammable cafe” may limit the patisserie’s potential and all it stands for—Eat, Live, and Nourish. This eatery cuddles up a capacious corner, creating an idyllic setting that pursues a stream of pinks, peaches, and greens. Its bespoke interiors marry the delicacy of the assortments served, refuting those cliche banalities of the cafe being just solely picture-worthy.
The Design
Sprawled over two thousand sq ft, EL&N London welcomes guests with a dessert bar at the entrance, ample seating variations, a large serving station, and a spacious kitchen at the back. UK-based Holland Harvey Architects designed the cafe, incorporating significant architectural elements from both metropolitan cities—London and Mumbai.
The interiors follow a series of soothing tones, soft silhouettes, and a concoction of vintage Georgian and Indian-Mughal architectural adaptations. Structurally, the cafe explores more organic geometries, such as circular tables, rounded entrance domes, and concentric-shaped luminaires. Paying homage to its new Indian residence, the architects incorporated traditional elements from Mughal-style architecture: bulbous domes for the booths, delicate ornamentation through wall carvings, and arched offsets in marble. Additionally, the Pietra Dura technique has been used for the backsplash tiles. To complement the bright theme of the space, the black-white marble of the floorings is laid into the ‘Mosaic Pavement’ checkered pattern, a quaint style tracing back to ancient Egypt.
The ceilings and walls continue to persuade a plush-pink affair, but the upholstered seatings suggest a different colour story with greens and dark olives. The upholstered sofas’ patterns hark back to vintage Chesterfield sofas, a British design from the 1700s. The decorative chandeliers in the ceiling are customised in pink wired mesh, and the sconces are designed as contemporary, rounded structures. An amalgamation of classic and modern styles happens through the walls, as they witness a little of both—old-school wainscotting and intricate flutings. The signature florals and foliage typically replicate the English roses, with inputs derived from the Indian greenbelt. Implanted into seating areas, these embellishments add a biophilic touch to the architecture, accentuating the design and the decor. Neon idioms such as “Pretty Chilled”, “Espresso Yourself”, and “Hey Sweet Thing” are penned in a cursive Italic font, inviting the Gen-Z youth to a picturesque atmosphere of fun and reinvigoration.
Food & Experience
Image Credit: Shirline Dias Andrades
At the cafe, I am served a refreshing Rasberry Mojito with a side of the classic Fish’ n Chips and the Bang Bang prawns. The tangy beverage is a refreshing relief in the heat, while the seafood varieties bring an appetising note to the meal. The best experience is saved for the last: a slice of their famous Pink Velvet cake, procuring sweet-and-sour undertones of raspberry with cream cheese topping.
EL&N London trademarks are an essential addition to the Indian luxury dining experience. Their menu effortlessly blends localised savouries and international cuisine, becoming a pitstop for all—gourmet connoisseurs and general “foodies” like me to keep visiting for comfort food. Whether one visits for the savouries, its trending social-media hype, or the interior design, EL&N London spells all kinds of cosy and fun. An eclectic narration of good food and design follows through, presenting guests with an amalgamation of both cultures, from London to Mumbai. As I exit the dreamy cafe (seven years after first stumbling upon it), I celebrate a personal moment, but this time, with a feeling of satiation.
