In the world of design, Lucknow is often looked upon with nostalgia: a city that was. The city however continues to live and breathe design even if in its own reticent way. And this new cafe in Lucknow, Philtre and Co (pronounced ‘filter and co’), is an ode to city’s design in more ways than one.
Philtre and Co stands in the city’s coolest hotspot (we know that’s an oxymoron, but one that is true!), Le Press. A restored 19th-century structure, Le Press is the new avatar of city’s oldest and Asia’s largest printing press, Naval Kishore Press, that has been reinvented into a gallery space. And Philtre and Co, designed by Atelier Varun Goyal, pays homage to the historical structure by blending the Indo-Saracenic, Gothic Roman, and British Colonial architectural influences of the space with modern sensibilities. “We undertook the architectural restoration, interior design, and landscaping of the courtyard and outdoor areas. The comprehensive involvement ensured seamless integration of the restored heritage building with the newly designed elements,” explains Goyal.
The 2,000-square-foot new cafe in Lucknow that can host up to 55 guests at a time is a split between indoor and outdoor spaces that flow into each other with ease. The courtyard, with a large sculptural neem tree as its focal point, is the soul of Philtre and Co. Its lush fauna blending with the surroundings even as the stone and brick pathways bring back memories of the porches and courtyards of the city’s sprawling, design forward bungalows. The open space also offers al fresco seating for up to 10 guests and a live pizza station featuring a wood-fired oven clad in mosaic tiles by Picollo. Unlike most courtyards, which rely only on the flooring for detaining, this one also boasts of an asymmetrical rug sourced from a local business.
Lucknow and its heritage reflects in many other corners — like the chikankari embroidery on lampshades, in the sheets sandwiched inside glass screens and in arched doors and windows that are reminiscent of Lucknow’s iconic and omnipresent arches. High ceilings and recessed brass lighting add charm while also highlighting the level of research that has gone into designing the space and its every last detail.
Inside, the newly plastered walls in pale white and brand new vintage terrazzo flooring in shades of blue, green and cream offer an elegant pop of colour. Mid-century-modern furniture, including Finn-Juhl style chairs and sofas that could belong to your grandmother’s drawing room, slender brass lamps in corners, and large ventilators letting in bright daylight meanwhile are a hat tip to the fabulous fifties.
Every piece of art, furniture, light and decor has been designed in-house by Atelier Varun Goyal and ties in to create a space that not just matches the city’s vibe but also comes together as one cohesive space despite the varied styles and eras it spans. What stands out the most for us is the Urdu and Hindi lettering in brass, placed right next to to the chic claymen masks. Like everything else, the lettering, says Goyal, “is a heartfelt tribute to Lucknow’s rich literary and cultural heritage, connecting the space to its historical identity and offering a sense of nostalgia and pride.” We cannot agree more.
