Timeless with a Peaky Twist: The Narrative Architecture of Tales of Tavern

Ar. Amrut Pokharkar

About Tales of Tavern:

For Tales of Tavern, Ar. Amrut Pokharkar approached the project as a narrative-driven experience rather than a conventional restro-bar. His design process focused on capturing mood, emotion, and timeless character, carefully blending vintage aesthetics with contemporary sensibility. Through thoughtful spatial planning, subtle level changes, layered lighting, and rich material choices, he crafted an environment that feels intimate, immersive, and quietly luxurious.

Amrut’s attention to detail and belief that spaces should evoke feeling allowed him to transform Tales of Tavern into a cohesive story, one that unfolds effortlessly and leaves a lasting impression.

Timeless with a Peaky Twist..

Where vintage elegance meets modern indulgence..

Running parallel to the energy of TLS, Tales of Tavern unfolds as a niche narrative of its own, quietly confident, richly layered, and rooted in storytelling. Nestled within the striking locale near NMMC, Belapur, the space announces itself not with noise, but with intrigue. From the very first step inside, it becomes clear that this is not just a restro-bar, but an experience carefully composed in chapters.

The spatial planning is thoughtfully orchestrated, where varying floor levels subtly divide the corners, lending individuality to each cubicle while maintaining a cohesive rhythm throughout the space. This play of elevation ensures privacy without isolation, harmony without monotony. Every corner is rewarded with a view, each one whispering its own tale, evoking the sensation of slipping into another era where time slowed and conversations lingered.

The design language embraces a bold vintage aesthetic, infused with a moody elegance reminiscent of an age defined by tailored suits, low-lit rooms, and unspoken secrets. Deep velvet hues envelop the interiors, while the bar counter glows in rich golden tones, becoming both a visual anchor and a social heart. Warm ambient lighting washes over arched cabinetry and curated shelves behind the bar, their silhouettes enhanced by a collection of evocative paintings that complete the theatrical backdrop. Every detail feels intentional, crafted for those who value atmosphere as much as experience. Here, an evening transforms into a timeless escape with a subtle peaky twist.

Movement through the space feels unhurried and poetic. The journey is guided by textured flooring that flows seamlessly into a statement staircase, its warm backlighting and clean vertical balusters creating an elegant, almost ceremonial ascent. This transition feels less like a change of floor and more like a shift in mood.

The first floor unfolds in a softer, calmer cadence. Bathed in an amber hush, the space reveals itself like a cherished memory, velvet-lined surfaces, gentle contours, and lighting that seems to glow from within. Comfort and style coexist effortlessly here. Shadows delicately trace architectural lines, emphasizing the geometry of calm, while every material choice radiates warmth and intention.

Overhead, the waffled ceiling detail introduces a distinctive visual texture, adding depth and character to the upper volume. Below, plush and cozy couches invite patrons to settle in, perfect for lingering conversations, quiet laughter, or simply soaking in the rustic, nostalgic vibe. The warm lighting wraps the entire floor in an intimate glow, making time feel pleasantly suspended.

At Tales of Tavern, design does more than define a space, it communicates. It speaks in hushed tones of mood and material, of light and shadow, of past and present entwined. It doesn’t merely shelter its guests; it welcomes them into a story, one that unfolds slowly, leaving a lasting impression long after the evening fades.

Fact file:

Property Name: Tales of Tavern

Location: Belapur, Navi Mumbai

Project area: 4200sqft

Project Type: Commercial Interiors

Project Name: Timeless with a Peaky Twist

Design Firm: D_Hub @d_hubstudio

Founder : Ar. Amrut Pokharkar

Photography & Words by: Nirmal Nitinkumar @studio.shaft

Year of Completion: 2022

Email: thedhub.in