Flora Indica: A Unique Blend of British Victorian Heritage and Indian Cuisine

An Innovative Concept by Henry Chebaane

There are thousands of Indian restaurants in London, all very similar in look, feel, and communication style. Flora Indica, however, stands out with its innovative concept inspired by the botanical explorations of the 19th century. It blends British Victorian heritage with pop art and contemporary culture as a backdrop to creative Indian food and drinks. This unique fusion creates an eccentric and stylish atmosphere that is unmistakably British while still being authentic to the Indian cuisine it serves.

The Flora Indica restaurant and bar span over two floors, covering a total area of 150 square meters. The design realization technology involved the use of Adobe After Effects for a video presentation combined with still images. The graphics were meticulously created in Adobe Illustrator to ensure a visually captivating experience.

Henry Chebaane embarked on extensive research for the Flora Indica design. He delved into the Flora Indica book written by Joseph Dalton Hooker and published in 1855, which served as a primary source of inspiration. Additionally, he visited Kew Gardens and Kolkata in India to immerse himself in the botanical world and gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

One of the main challenges faced during the design process was creating an identity that was unlike anything on the market. The goal was to avoid any obvious themes or clichés while still being unmistakably British, eccentric, and stylish. The design needed to carry an Indian menu without relying on obvious ethnic signs, yet still exude authenticity.

FLORA INDICA is an intriguing new bar and restaurant that serves contemporary Indian cuisine within an eclectic mix of Kensington residential elegance, 19th-century industrial heritage, botanical art and craft, and a Victorian-inspired fantasy setting. The design concept incorporates elements such as Harris Tweed fabrics to celebrate the Scottish botanists who brought back plants and knowledge from India during Georgian and Victorian times.

Flora Indica has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2017 in the Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design category. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Flora Indica's design integrates industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive feelings to its patrons.