Epitome Night Club and Kynd Café by VK:i interiors

Epitome Night Club and Kynd Café in Pune—Where This Is It Designs + VK:i interiors Infuse New Energy into the Timeless Charm of a Vintage English Club

Project Name: Epitome Night Club and Kynd Café
Typology: Commercial – Pub and Cafe  
Name of Project: Epitome Night Club and Kynd Café
Location: Pune  
Site Area (sq ft & sq m): 10500 sqft

Principal Architect: Deepak Manjani (VK:i interiors, Pune) & Saheba Singh (This Is It Designs, Delhi),
Design Team: Shilpa Thane, Chetan Bawiskar from VK:i interiors
Photographer: Architectural Captures (Abhishek Chavhan)
Author: Athulya Aby

The Mills—the heart of Pune’s ever-evolving social scene—welcomes a fresh twist with a touch of classical English design, inspired from the iconic British pub culture. Designed collaboratively by the creative minds at This Is It Designs from Delhi and VK:i interiors in Pune, Epitome Night Club and Kynd Café blends modern forms with bold, timeless elements, creating a space that simultaneously feels both new and nostalgic. The concept behind Epitome Night Club draws inspiration from the exclusivity and luxury of vintage English clubs, chosen not only for their tradition and status but also as a statement of reimagining club culture in the context of vegan and vegetarian dining. 

Walking through the imposing wood-braced doors, one is immediately teleported into a modern rendition of an old-school British lounge. The play of light against polished marble and gold accents at the reception creates an unmistakable aura of opulence, setting the tone for the high-end experience that awaits. This first impression sets the stage for what's to come—a carefully preserved homage to classic club elements, adapted for today’s audience. Dark wood finishes, reminiscent of mahogany, oak, and walnut dominate the design, evoking a sense of richness. Heavy but simple mouldings on the ceiling, columns, and partitions, ground the room in classical design while ensuring a contemporary feel.

Statement tree trunk group tables are complemented with straight-backed club chairs upholstered in plush hunter green fabric, lending the space vintage charm without sacrificing modern comfort. White and beige tones are contrasted with dark, sober browns keeping the visual appeal stimulating. 

Inside, the layout of Epitome is fluid and open, yet cleverly segregated by varying floor levels and distinct materials, with each table strategically placed to ensure a clear view of the DJ. The partition levels are maintained throughout, creating the illusion of a single, expansive space, while the slight shifts in height provide intimate zones without disrupting the social energy.

At the far end, the illuminated Epitome logo—a winged figure hovering behind the DJ—commands attention, positioning the DJ as the master of the party. On either side, VIPs enjoy a superior experience with leather-backed sofas, reflective ceilings, and bespoke chandeliers.

The bar, often the centerpiece of any night out, doesn’t disappoint. While tall bar stools can sometimes compromise comfort, golden railings have been added as footrests—an example of the thoughtful details that place the user experience at the center of the design. The boxed shelving behind the bar, with strip lighting and mirror panels extends onto the ceiling. This boxy detail continues throughout the space, seamlessly integrating into the lighting design for an added layer of cohesion.

Perhaps the most playful design element is the twist on the traditional black-and-white checkerboard flooring in the central space. Made from micro-concrete and inspired by the fabric of the sofas, this dynamic pattern brings kinetic energy to the room, inviting guests to both admire and dance across it. Matrix light strips on the edge of the levels, columns, and ceiling mouldings, sync perfectly with the DJ’s beats, making the entire room pulse with rhythm.

It is the eclectic and eccentric accents that usually bring a classic club room to life, such as equestrian-themed artwork, vintage sports memorabilia, and perhaps an animal head or two affixed to the wall, reflecting its occupant’s life and interests. While the designers have steered away from taxidermy, the murals of Greek Gods and philosophers, some seen using a MacBook or enjoying music on headphones, become conversation starters. These murals also tie back to the Roman statues featured in the Epitome branches in Mumbai and Dubai, offering a narrative thread across locations.

Back at the reception, another door leads one to a more tropical retreat—Kynd Café. Contrasting the club’s rich and moody vibe, the cafe is envisioned as a chic, laid-back space. Cane furniture, botanical prints, muted tones, and lush plants give the café a breezy, relaxing atmosphere. The highlight here is the framed dried leaves and flowers, which evoke the comforting smell of petrichor, drawing you closer to nature. It’s a space where you can unwind, sip your coffee, and let the serenity wash over you, in case you are not up for a lively night out at the club.

The design of both the club and the café is a refined composition of materials, ambiance, and detailing, carefully curated to evoke a sense of grandeur without compromising on budget. The strong design concept along with exceptional execution strikes a delicate balance between luxury and practicality. Epitome serves as a model for club design projects, seamlessly blending high-end dining with socially engaging and immersive experiences.