Afra Tafri: A Colorful and Casual Restaurant and Bar in Kolkata

A Unique Everyday Drinking Place with a Delightful and Upmarket Feel

Afra Tafri stands out from other restaurants and bars with its carefully balanced design that combines an upmarket ambiance with a casual atmosphere. The use of vibrant colors can be seen throughout the space, from the flooring and upholstery to the graffiti on the walls and the light fixtures. Each element used in the design has its own unique story, yet they all come together harmoniously to create a delightful experience for guests.

The entrance of Afra Tafri is designed to intrigue guests, with a full kit drum set hanging from the ceiling in the spacious lift lobby. This leads to a small entrance foyer and an arched tunnel, flanked by brewery tanks, which gives a glimpse of what lies ahead. The main area is divided into four sections through levels and partitions, creating distinct spaces for the bar counter, main seating area, private dining area, and smoking area. The ceiling design features four segmental arches, reminiscent of colonial architecture, and the flooring incorporates red oxide cement and a chess pattern.

The design of Afra Tafri required careful selection and placement of elements to maintain a youthful and fun feel while still exuding an upmarket vibe. Highlights include lights built into empty alcohol bottles, gramophone speakers used as lighting fixtures, and microphones integrated into the design. The use of color in furniture upholstery and soft furnishings adds a touch of elegance without overpowering the overall design. Graffiti on the walls serves as a strong element, adding character to the space.

The design of Afra Tafri was a creative challenge that required balancing various elements to create a cohesive and controlled space. The goal was to infuse a youthful and fun atmosphere while maintaining an overall chic and upmarket feel. The result is a restaurant and bar that offers a unique and delightful experience for guests.

Afra Tafri was completed in January 2017 after a design process that started in September 2016. The project was a collaboration between designers Devesh Bhatia, Pratyay Chakrabarti, Megha Bhambani, and Prince Aryan. The design incorporates earthy materials such as black and white stone flooring, red-oxide cement flooring, and wooden floors. The walls are finished with cement punning, and the ceiling is painted in a dark grey color with wooden rafters and wood-like mild steel girders.

Afra Tafri has received recognition for its outstanding design, winning the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2017. This award honors designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life.