London-based design studio A-nrd adds a dash of spice to Soho with its design of Darjeeling Express restaurant. Relocated from Covent Garden to London’s Kingly Court dining destination, the new location opens in conjunction with the restaurant’s 10th anniversary. The space references chef and restaurateur Asma Khan’s upbringing and travels through India, and evokes a residential warmth accented by refreshing details.
“We really wanted to create a space Asma would feel at home in whilst she worked and only through our connection and long-standing personal relationship with her was this possible to achieve very organically,” says Alessio Nardi, founder of A-nrd, which also designed Darjeeling Express’ previous two locations. “Through a curated color and material palette, the space feels intimate and warm, and like Asma’s food, it is fresh and truly authentic. The references to India and Asma’s heritage are subtle yet present in the space, creating a modern dining experience with a slight retro feel that perfectly fits in to the Central London dining scene.”
Spread across nearly 2,700 square feet, the new Darjeeling Express accommodates 96 guests across a dining room that’s enveloped in a soft, earthy palette inspired by India during golden hour. Walls and ceilings are limewashed in a rich chickpea hue, while columns and the façade are rendered in a light cinnamon tone. Notes of lapis blue offset the palette, as does flourishing greenery throughout the interior.
Dark oak frames the central open kitchen, where ceramic tableware and stoneware dishes further instill a residential warmth amplified by opaline flower-shaped wall sconces. Marble bistro tables are paired with wood chairs featuring gray fabric pads and rattan backrests, while larger tables feature seating upholstered in a colorful paisley pattern.
A curvaceous, monolithic bar conveys a vintage effect with a mirrored backbar that contrasts the bar’s solid dark oak composition. Six sleek stools are installed before its scalloped face—inspired by Mughal architectural shapes—with soft, buttery yellow leather upholstery.
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