With two private dining lounges and an elevated stage, The Niche Restaurant has a dramatic appeal.
Located in the outer circle of Connaught Place, opposite the Statesman building, The Niche Restaurant is spread across two floors. The lower floor being the indoor lounge and the upper having the terrace.
The site was a combination of two properties with each having their own courtyards. These were converted into a conservatory, which became the central feature around which the spatial planning was executed.
The concept was based on the starting point which was the usage of courtyard and double height space turning it into a conservatory having a metal structure with a glass ceiling. On either side of the conservatory-segregated by slate and wood clad arches—is the main lounge and the bar area.
Spread across two floors, this restaurant has a cover of about 180 with alfresco seating on two sides along with a terrace. One alfresco area has a distinct bamboo influence in the furniture along with an old peepal tree adding to the charm. Things get a Victorian touch on the other side with white metal furniture.
The areas within the indoor spaces have a concoction of different styles of seating. The main seating arrangement is allocated into two lounges, a centre stage for performance with dining tables, a 20-seater long bar with high tables around and a cigar corner.
The two private dining lounges are separated by low height railings to create private yet segregated areas. The use of large comfortable leather furniture was meant to create an unhurried laid back vibe. The centre piece of of the lounge is a live fireplace. The classical material palette of the space with warm stained wood paneling work, timber polished floors and leather paneling is offset with a modern take on the traditional slate stone wall with the use of a natural slate pressed veneer.
The focus though is a sprawling elevated stage that plays host to live acts. The bar area has stylish design language dominated with hardwood furniture and an industrial look juxtaposed with a finished bar back. The Dj console has metal grid bars with the logo to add character to the counter.
