Nature Refined
In the heart of Sheffield’s gastronomic hub, on Ecclesall Road, a new culinary landmark has emerged, challenging the boundaries of traditional dining environments.
Mezwaani – Restro & Bar is not merely a restaurant; it is a curated sensory journey that marks a significant milestone for our studio, Amit Dixit Design | London.
When we were first approached with the brief, the objective was clear: create a fine-dining experience that Sheffield has never seen before.
The client sought a space that felt both alien and familiar—a unique sanctuary that could house a sophisticated fusion of Indian and Oriental cuisines while offering an immersive experience.
The Core Philosophy: Biophilic Storytelling
The architectural soul of Mezwaani is rooted in Biophilic Design.
We believe that the most successful spaces are those that foster a deep, subconscious connection between humans and the natural world.
To achieve this, we moved away from clinical luxury, opting instead for a theme we call “From the Mystic Land of India.”
This narrative allowed us to explore India’s lush, organic heritage through a contemporary design lens.
We wanted to move beyond the literal, instead playing with textures, finishes, and light to evoke the feeling of a vibrant, living ecosystem and in fusion with minimalistic Oriental design elements in the background.
“The palette is a study in contrast: fine-textured walls by Textured Paints Company provide a subtle backdrop to the raw, organic warmth of the handcrafted terracotta surfaces. Lighting is treated as sculpture, featuring artisanal ceramic pendants.”
Amit Dixit.
Material Innovation: Use of Hand crafted & Natural Materials
The focal point of the lounge is the back-lit bar counter and display unit.
In a bold move toward tactile materiality, we utilized natural rubber leaf self-adhesive surfaces.
These surfaces, when illuminated from behind, reveal the intricate skeletal structures of the leaves, casting an ethereal, amber glow that grounds the room in organic honesty.
Lighting served as our primary tool for drama. We collaborated with ceramic artists to produce handcrafted hanging pendants.
While some mimic the playful silhouette of falling leaves, the central installation is a masterpiece of atmospheric design: a glowing cluster of “Lily Pads” suspended from the ceiling, creating a canopy that feels like a field of light floating above the diners.
The textured painted walls, by the Textured Paint Company, and hand-made natural concrete texture panels add drama to the space throughout.
A Tapestry of Textures: Upholstery and Finishes
The theme of nature is woven into the very fabric of the furniture.
In a bespoke approach to upholstery, we designed the backs of the dining chairs to feature a vibrant cluster of colourful leaf motifs, reminiscent of a forest in bloom.
To provide a sophisticated counterpoint to these intricate patterns, the fixed banquette seating in both the lounge and restaurant areas is finished in a rich burnt orange velvet.
This choice provides a deep, luxurious warmth that anchors the space and complements the “Mystic India” palette.
The Fusion: Where India Meets the Orient
Mezwaani’s culinary identity—a fusion of Indian and Oriental flavours—is reflected in the spatial architecture.
We integrated sliding Shoji screens crafted from timber and linen, offering a nod to Oriental minimalism while providing a soft, translucent layering to the floor plan.
To define the transition from the high-energy lounge to the formal dining sanctuary, we employed vertical timber members.
These dividers provide a sense of privacy without sacrificing the open, airy flow of the restaurant.
Throughout the space, artificial trees and cascading hanging plants add a final layer of theatricality, ensuring that every corner of Mezwaani feels alive, lush, and undeniably unique.
The Art of Materiality: A Multi-Sensory Journey
To realize our design vision, we collaborated with a curated collective of master craftsmen and specialist suppliers, prioritizing tactile depth and visual soul.
The palette is a study in contrast: fine-textured walls by Textured Paints Company provide a subtle backdrop to the raw, organic warmth of the handcrafted terracotta surfaces.
Lighting is treated as sculpture, featuring artisanal ceramic pendants by Andra Munro Design.
We integrated unexpected sensory elements, such as the natural self-adhesive rubber leaf surfaces at the bar, and layered the guest bathrooms with evocative, hand-crafted wallpapers.
The space is anchored by bespoke furniture and softened by life-like, fire-rated botanical installations ensuring the environment feels both grounded and ethereal.
We also worked with a bespoke perfume maker to give a signature aroma which was specially designed to give the sense of “Mystic Land of India” with the use of the warmth and grounding presence of “Mitti Attar” (First rainfall smell) from Kannauj, paired it with soft musks and gentle florals to complement the earthy textures, greenery, and handmade clay details in the space.
The result is a quiet, elegant scent that supports the atmosphere without taking attention away from the food or the hospitality.
It settles into the background and becomes an intangible part of the experience.
A New Chapter for Sheffield
Mezwaani – Restro + Bar is a testament to what happens when nature-inspired design meets a bold culinary vision.
For Amit Dixit Design | London, this project represents our commitment to creating spaces that are not just seen but felt.
We are proud to bring this slice of mystic luxury to Sheffield, offering a dining experience that is as much about the environment as it is about the plate.
Amit Dixit Design | London, is a Mayfair-based creative luxury interior architecture and interior design studio, delivering high-end projects in luxury hospitality, residential, F&B, wellness and various other sectors across the UK and internationally.