LW Design was commissioned to refurbish and refresh the multi-award-winning Michelin Star restaurant, Indego by Vineet located in the lavish Grosvenor House Hotel in the Marina district of Dubai. The lobby-level indoor-outdoor restaurant was initially designed by LW Design in 2012.
Project brief
The client was keen to elevate the entire design and dining experience. The brief was to capture the essence of colonial India whilst echoing the vibrant modern culture of the country today. The majority of the structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing elements were to be maintained whilst creating an impactful makeover to delight patrons. Historically, Indego By Vineet has been exclusively a dining room, but the new design includes a feature bar and a private dining room to broaden the offerings of the Indian fine dining restaurant.
LW Design was tasked with blurring the lines between the indoor-outdoor dining spaces so that the entire restaurant was afforded uninterrupted views of the marina. Various signature elements within the restaurant were to be kept so that the iconic restaurant retains its much-loved decade-old appeal. These delightful pieces include the Nataraja sculptures, timber jhalli screens and traditional Indian Jhutt is framed as artwork on the walls.
Concept
Having been established in the region for 20 years, LW Design constantly has their finger on the pulse of Dubai's fast-paced, ever-changing food and beverage landscape, as a result they are aware of how the dining dynamic has changed over the years. A decade ago, well established Michelin Star chef Vineet Bhatia opened his successful Indian fine dining restaurant, Indego by Vineet. In 2021, The concept was to visually transform the multi award-winning Indian restaurant in one of the finest entertainment destinations in Dubai while maintaining its much loved essence and soul. Chef Vineet wanted to retain many of the elegant features that have become synonymous with the brand and its nod to colonial India while bringing the restaurant's look and feel in line with the expectations of the market today. The vibrant colours against bold patterns are a reflection of modern India and together, they have transformed the overall look and feel of Indego by Vineet and created long-lasting memorable moments.
A splendid large green lacquered door with custom brass door knockers welcome you to the unique dining experience. Guests enter the bar and restaurant through striking foliage-inspired wallpaper graphics, clusters of pots and eccentric feathered lamps. Returning guests are instantly reminded of the Yester-life Indego with the original elevated Nataraja statues. They are instantly mesmerised by the circular cocoon in which they enter while being welcomed by the maître d. The shape of this sculptural piece is an ode to a traditional lotus flower that signals the beginning of a unique journey ahead.
On the right-hand side of the entrance, guests catch a glimpse of the glamorous bar with its vibrant colours and soft feather chandelier custom made by Four Seasons Ramesh Gallery. The ambience transports you seamlessly to a bygone time of Indian royalty. Emma Shipley clad lounging chairs and tri-coloured banquettes with lush upholstery and cushions bring you back to the vibrancy of India today. Indego by Veneet is reminiscent of the old restaurant with reframed Jhuttis (Indian shoes) in modern Perspex frames dotted throughout the space. The old jhalli screens have been repurposed and relacquered to the brand's signature red tone. The original Crema Marfil walls and circular ceiling profile remain intact, meaning that demolition and MEPworks were kept to a minimum.
The main dining room is home to an exciting open kitchen experience with a flurry of culinary activity. Hand-crafted bespoke feather tiles from Botteganove clad the kitchen counter front in between Leather and brass detailed panels. The green metal kitchen hood showcases the delicious dishes the guests eagerly await.
The main restaurant space boasts large scale black and white checkered flooring that presents a particular and unique reference to colonial India, creating a bold background for the vivid design. Brightly coloured chairs in the brand's signature red is complemented by emerald green and orange to create a truly rich and immersive palette. The rich backdrop allows patrons to experience an unforgettable food and drinks experience by the highly regarded Michelin star chef.
The private dining room overlooks the terrace and Dubai Marina. The outdoor terrace has integrated fans in the timber pergola that extends from the façade. A large, repurposed, heavy carved door dominates the room and sits on a hand-woven Indian carpet. Bell Bell-shaped pendants dance above the table while two large feature cage chairs flank the head of the table, making the private dining room a truly special space in which to dine. The small lounge area in the dining room is perfect for private parties, intimate gatherings or an informal evening with Chef Vineet.
About the execution
The restaurant was closed for three short months whilst local contracting company, Fulfill completed the work, ready for a celebratory re-opening over the National Day weekend in December 2021.
About the ambience
The ambience is warm and rich with a sense of elegant royalty. LW Design has created pockets of lighting to afford an intimate dining experience. Carefully illuminated features and tables give a perfect glow, highlighting the unique individual design elements.
Technical elements
Minimal technical disruption was mandatory as Indego is situated just off the lobby of the busy Grosvenor House hotel.
Material selection
Many of the materials have already been mentioned, but the following are the innovative materials used in the restaurant's design.
- Checkered flooring by Nero Marquina and Statuario
- Feathered lamps
- Rich pink upholstered chairs by Emma Shipley
- Feather chandelier by Four Season Ramesh Gallery
- Graphic wallpaper by Four Season Ramesh Gallery
- Feather tiles from Bottega Nove
Furniture chosen
Throughout the restaurant is a mixture of lounge and dining furniture; raised bar stools provide comfortable seating around the bar. The indoor and outdoor furniture seamlessly extends to the dining terrace. Each dining table has a heavy brass base inspired by traditional Indian bells and temple domes.
Size
Inside and outside combined space 485 square metres, with a total seat count of 160 people.
Number of floors and rooms
One room and one floor.
Team:
Contractor: Fulfill Contractors
Designers: Pooja Shah-Mulani, Design Director, LW Design
