Forest table bridges culinary delights, cutting-edge design and historical narratives in heart of Delhi

Forest Table, designed by Beyond Designs, blends heritage, nature and global cuisine into a refined, civic-minded fine-dining destination in Delhi.

- NOOR ANAND CHAWLA

With Delhi being a true foodie haven, it’s hard to stand apart in its dining scene. Yet sometimes a restaurant makes its presence felt for its delicious cuisine and the story it’s serving. Forest Table, the newly completed 30,000 sq. ft. fine-dining destination designed by Beyond Designs at the Teen Murti Bhavan Estate, is one such.

In keeping with the philosophy of ‘meaningful maximalism’ that luxury interior design atelier, Beyond Designs is known for, this new eatery is rooted in heritage, while being global in its aesthetics and cuisine. Sachin Gupta, co-founder and design principal at Beyond Designs joins the Sunday Guardian for an exclusive chat about their largest civiescale hospitality project todate. Excerpts froman edited interview:

Q. Please tell us about the journey of opening this restaurant. Whose idea was it?

A. Forest Table grew out of our longstanding relationship with hospitality and our belief that dining is an expansive experience of belonging toa landscape and its history and memory. As Beyond Designs marks 25 years, this felt like the right moment to create a project that bridges the past and the future, architecture and nature along with refinement and restraint. When we were invited to rethink the terrace of the Nehru Planetarium, we saw an extraordinary opportunity to designa site-attentive insertion that reinforces the cultural continuity of this historicestate. Both of us felt instinctively that this ite deserved space that would sit lightly on the estate, feel organically rooted, and renew the campus with thoughtful, design-led stewardship.

Q. How did you choose this unique location?