FANTOM: A Unique American Cafe-Inspired Restaurant and Bar

A Quintessential American Bar Inviting Everyone to Make Merry

Fantom stands out from other establishments with its informal and welcoming atmosphere. The design incorporates a variety of nooks and hidden corners, creating a sense of intimacy within the space. To achieve the desired American cafe aesthetic, the designers opted for a heavy use of wood in slightly dark colors, complemented by a dark green paint for an authentic touch.

The initial challenge was the large size of the site, which needed to be broken down into smaller niche areas to reduce the vastness of the space. This was accomplished by incorporating different furniture and light fixtures to highlight specific tables and create a sense of privacy. Additionally, a smoking room was strategically placed in front of the bar, effectively dividing the space into two parts and creating a more intimate atmosphere. The designers also utilized a slightly raised height for a section of the area, further breaking up the space on the floor level.

The ceiling of Fantom features a unique zig-zag pattern of wooden beams, with voids left blank to create differentiation for individual seating areas. The flooring and ceiling are made of low-cost wood, giving the space an unfinished texture that is polished in a warm walnut color. The concrete slab on top of the beams was scraped and left as is, adding an industrial touch to the design.

The furniture in Fantom is made of real teak wood, polished in a natural color to add warmth to the space. Vibrant fabric upholstery, such as a deep bottle green for the sofas and a floral print for the high chairs, adds pops of color. The bar back, toilets, and large wall areas are clad with machine-cut bricks, adding texture and visual interest.

Upon entering Fantom, guests are greeted by a wine cellar before moving into the main space. The area is divided into five smaller sections, including an elevated gaming section, a smoking area, and a sandwiched space between the bar counter and the smoking room. These divisions create a dynamic flow throughout the restaurant while maintaining a cohesive visual of a large-size establishment.

Fantom is located at South Point Mall on Golf Course Road in Gurgaon, Haryana, India. The project began in March 2016 and was completed in October 2016. The design team, consisting of Devesh Bhatia, Pratyay Chakrabarti, Kamal Kishore, and Sawran Singh, conducted extensive research on American street-side cafes and drew inspiration from the popular TV series Friends to create a space that guests can identify and relate to.

This exceptional design, recognized for its creativity and resourcefulness, was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Hospitality, Recreation, Travel, and Tourism category in 2017. Fantom showcases the best practices in art, science, design, and technology, contributing to an improved quality of life for its patrons.