Tamila
Kings Cross | London
Tamila, a vibrant South Indian inspired restaurant in Kings Cross, partnered with KAI Interiors to craft a timeless, retro-inspired dining experience that’s fast-paced, inviting, and accessible to all.
The Challenge
The Challenge
The challenge we faced at Tamila was creating a cohesive and immersive dining space within a site originally divided into three smaller, closed off areas. The fragmented layout made it difficult to achieve the dynamic, open environment we envisioned. Additionally, the basement posed its own challenge: lacking natural light, it felt dark and uninviting, making it tricky to transform into a desirable dining destination.
The narrow, thin site also made it challenging to maximise covers without compromising comfort and atmosphere. Limited back of house storage further added to the complexity, demanding creative solutions. All these challenges had to be tackled while staying true to Tamila’s authentic, immersive, and distinctive character offering an adaptable space that felt welcoming for both casual and premium dining experiences.
Our Solution
Our solution was bold and inventive. We proposed structural works to open up the fragmented layout, creating a seamless flow and significantly increasing covers. In the basement, we embraced the natural moodiness, enhancing it with warm, layered lighting and rich material choices to make it an inviting and atmospheric space.
Clever joinery and modular bench seating, inspired by vintage train carriages, were used throughout the space to create flexible arrangements that maximise seating capacity while ensuring comfort. Additional storage was cleverly incorporated into the bench seating, addressing the back of house limitations without compromising design aesthetics. Artisanal, authentic materials, along with playful photography and carefully chosen antique accessory pieces from India, infuse the restaurant with the vibrant energy and craftsmanship of the region. These elements create a timeless and immersive environment that sets Tamila apart from typical curry houses. Thoughtful lighting and carefully selected textures allow the space to transition seamlessly from day to night, offering a vibrant, adaptable, and welcoming experience for all.
Testimonials
KAI supported me through my first two Tamila sites and was a massive part of getting the brand off the ground. Michaela and the team helped bring the vision to life with designs that reflected our food and culture, while also being functional and easy to run. They were always responsive and full of ideas, making the whole process feel collaborative and transparent. I’m proud of the spaces we’ve created together.
Glen Leeson | – | Tamila
Awards
We’re extremely proud of the award-winning work we’ve delivered over the years.
