City’s retail space has been bustling with engaging activities like never before; a phenomenon seen globally to increase the browsing time of consumers in the brick and mortar retail space – the only strategic differentiator between online din and permanent stores appeal. Concept stores have made an entry in Ahmedabad city catering to the evolving tastes of the society. One such concept store to watch out for is ‘Aamra Store & Cafe’ – an ultimate destination for the seekers of design, fashion, food and culture started by three enterprising friends – Janki Patel , interior designer and owner- Options, Pranali Pandya, architect and Dipali Vyas, owner- Cellad Eatery.
Relaunched in September 2017, Aamra Store & Cafe aims to be the cultural potpourri of the city; the place where design meets culture meets food.
Nestled in the quiet bylanes of Nehrunagar, the erstwhile bungalow now converted to Aamra Store & Cafe, evokes the sense of susegad that one feels on languid summer afternoons lying under the shades of greens. The store name ‘Aamra’ is derived from the century old mango tree that stands tall outside the entrance. The paved walk-way lined on both sides by luscious greens leads to the main entrance area of the gallery.
Enter the world of aesthetically curated fashion apparels, jewellery, shoes and collectible furniture.
The store cum cafe, which was Pranali Pandya’s family home earlier, has been designed keeping in mind the user experience. One can comfortably walk through the space observing the collection from one room to other and out in the garden while delving in the beauty of sustainable and affordable clothing. Out in the garden, one can spot collectible pieces of furniture that are unique in its design and form. The curated pieces of furniture, be it a chair or a bench or a coffee table, have one thing in common – they are an example of innovative designs and exemplary craftsmanship.
Parallel to the design and fashion component of the gallery, Cellad eatery has set up a cozy café where the chef rustles up healthy bites and beverages. The cool indoor space opens up to an open garden café, a perfect spot for creative get-togethers or for an evening out with friends.
In an exclusive interview to Ciceroni, Janki Patel, co-founder Aamra Gallery, shared, ‘ We dream to develop a public-space that becomes essential to the fabric of the city; a place where people can come in and browse the best of fashion and design in the city and yet not get overwhelmed by the cold starkness of retail stores. What better way to connect with people than food, right? We roped in Dipali and she made the place lively with the healthy food and beverage offerings. To simulate the grey matter in the city, we have kept the place open for interesting collaborations – be it movie screening, spoken poetry, book reading or debates over current issues, culture or anything interesting under the sun. In the long haul, we want Aamra to be the favourite haunt for the design, fashion and culture connoisseurs’.
What did we like at Aamra Store and Cafe
Sustainable fashion in affordable range is a distant dream right? Well, Aamra’s got your back, atleast on that front. Check out the minimalist range of dresses, tunics, tops, palazzo, pants and sarees from home-grown labels like Iha, Alter Ego, Tj & Li, Sajja and Paon.
In the footwear section, one can find classic tan leather brogues and mules from Jutte whereas Reminiscence home décor displays an interesting range of cards, coasters, trays with the pop colour scheme and folksy art patterns. No, they aren’t run of the mill products. They definitely go in your collectible list. Colourful cushion covers, serving bowls and other home décor products are available too. If you are looking for gifts with a twist, look no further.
Garden furniture in cane and white picket fence design steals the show for the ones who love spending time in terrace balconies and big gardens. Wouldn’t you like an age old Singer sewing machine in the form of coffee table? Well, we totally dig it.
Must Eat at Café
• Quinoa bowl
• Oat handvo
• Smoothie – Banana & berry
Price Range
The fashion apparels and accessories section falls in affordable range, with mostly all products under 5000. Home décor and furniture segment fall in collectible category, but yet, is modestly priced.
If you are looking for affordable sustainable fashion and eclectic home décor products, then add Aamra store & café in your must visit list. They house certain labels while also hold pop-ups regularly to introduce new labels in the city. The upcoming pop-up is on 14th September where ‘The V Design’ is displaying their range of wooden products in home décor.
For the foodies and conversation lovers, head on to the café and dig into the delicious low calorie spread by Cellad eatery. Oh did we mention that they have the most beautiful Instagram- worthy ‘cycle wheel spot’ in Open garden café for your next batch of Insta-updates?
For the ones who love intellectual events, get in touch with Aamra organizers team to find the latest events.
Address – Aamra Store & Café, 1 Tapovan Society, Near Nehrunagar Circle, Ahmedabad Phone – 099099 47512
