Gallops

After twenty-six years, one of Mumbai’s most cherished dining destinations makes its grand return — revived with sensitivity, elegance, and a renewed sense of identity. Gallops, reimagined by architect Vistasp Kharas, pays homage to the legacy that made it iconic while thoughtfully embracing contemporary sensibilities. The design approach focuses not on transformation, but on restoration — preserving memories, enhancing experience, and reconnecting the restaurant to its lush surroundings and equestrian heritage.

The arrival sequence sets the tone. A beautifully restored Gaudí-inspired entrance door — a symbolic artifact from its early years — welcomes guests into 3,000 square feet of interiors crafted with refined restraint. The ambiance draws from early twentieth-century private clubs, expressed through soft white walls, warm wooden finishes, and a subtle play of textures. Expansive windows frame views of the racecourse, grounding the interiors in their historic context and celebrating the relationship between dining and the outdoors.

The renewal of Gallops is layered with design details that surprise. A dramatic red paper sculpture by Dutch artist Peter Gentenaar hovers above the bar, becoming both a focal point and an emotional spark. Its bold form sets the direction for the color palette that unfolds through the space. The bar, an ode to tactile richness, pairs smoked oak veneer with a leather-finished Brazilian Avocado marble counter — a harmonious balance of sophistication and softness.

At the heart of the seating area stands a restored Barnard’s clock by James Murray & Co., circa 1860 — a treasured piece first discovered on Mumbai’s Mutton Street nearly thirty years ago. Today, it continues to mark time and legacy, reinforcing Gallops’ enduring presence across generations.

Curated equestrian memorabilia and antique curios — handpicked by Shreya Kharas, Artistic Director at Vistasp Kharas Architects — narrate the restaurant’s story across its walls, creating layers of nostalgia woven into the dining experience. Candlelit warmth, muted tones, and artful compositions transform the atmosphere into one that feels intimate yet timeless.

Gallops returns not merely as a renovated restaurant, but as a revival of memory, culture, and charm. It stands as an elegant continuation of its celebrated past — a place where patrons can once again dine amid history, heritage, and the gentle harmony of old and new.