Charu Gandhi was born in Delhi, and it was there that her love of architecture began, after her parents commissioned a female architect to build the family home. She studied at the Architectural Association in London and worked at Allies and Morrison and Candy & Candy Group, before launching her own design studio, Elicyon, in 2014. Driven by a desire to combine her architectural practice with her passion for design and decorative craft, Gandhi and her team have delivered projects across the UK and worldwide. Returning to Delhi often, she loves to eat, shop and discover the city’s hotspots.
Decoration & design
Lutyens’ Delhi New Delhi Considered the architect of Delhi, Edwin Lutyens was responsible for much of the city’s design and building during the 1920s, 30s and 40s, when India formed part of the British Empire, including India Gate (above). Given the city’s long history of architectural expression, prior to and since Lutyens’ time, the result is a truly unique blend of Indian and Western influences.
National Crafts Museum, Bhairon Marg, Pragati Maidan Here you will find wonderful and rare examples of the rich diversity of traditional Indian handicrafts and techniques for which the country is known (below).
What's everyone reading?
Gallery 1000A F-210 D, Old M B Road, Lado Sarai One of a burgeoning number of art galleries in the area now dubbed the ‘East Village of Delhi’, 1000A celebrates some of India’s finest contemporary art. I would also recommend Vadehra Art Gallery, Nature Morte and DAG (Delhi Art Gallery) – the latter is India’s most respected art company.
Good Earth Shop No 9 ABC Ground, 1st & 2nd Floor, 10a, Khan Market, Rabindra Nagar My dear friend Anita Lal produces homeware under this brand (below), and I always have my eye on a number of her gorgeous pieces.
Where to stay
The Imperial, Janpath Lane, Connaught Place One of the grand dames of the East, this hotel has architecture with subtle traces of Victorian, art deco and Lutyens styles, mixing its rich heritage with modern-day comforts. theimperialindia.com
Scarlette, B2/139, Krishna Nagar, Safdarjung Enclave An ode to Indian design and textiles, this characterful and stylish hotel is popular with both visitors and local creatives. scarlettenewdelhi.com
The Lodhi, Lodhi Road, Pragati Vihar A modernist stone-built sanctuary (below) set in surprisingly spacious grounds in the centre of New Delhi with fabulous views of the Lodhi Gardens. thelodhi.com
Fashion & beauty
Hanut Singh Khan Market This is the place to discover beautiful, modern-yet-timeless jewellery creations.
Nappa Dori Shop, No 25, Meharchand Market, Lodhi Road Home to exquisite handmade leather pieces. nappadori.co.uk
Raw Mango, 31, Block 8, Lodi Colony A design house (below) that has its roots in craft and community, producing clothes that take inspiration from traditional attire. rawmango.com
Food & drink
Rooh H-5/1, First Floor, Ambawatta One, Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli A tasting-menu-only restaurant (4) overlooking the Qutub Minar [a minaret that towers over this area of south Delhi, a Unesco World Heritage Site]. It has an impressive bar and wine list. roohrestaurants.com
Indian Accent, The Lodhi, Lodhi Road, CGO Complex, Pragati Vihar For a true Indian fine-dining experience, this is the place to go. Chef Manish Mehrotra serves up wonderfully inventive Indian cuisine – the results are stunning. indianaccent.com
Olive Mile 6, One Style, 8, Kalka Das Marg, Seth Sarai, Mehrauli For something more relaxed, Olive Bar & Kitchen (9), in Qutub, is located within a colonial-style building in New Delhi serving mostly Italian food. olivebarandkitchen.com
