PROJECTS & COLLABORATIONS → BENARES MAYFAIR
Benares Mayfair
By Rosendale Design
DATE
2025
LOCATION
Berkeley Square, London
Discover Benares Mayfair's bespoke seating
We’re proud to have played a key role in the recent transformation of London’s Michelin-starred Benares, supplying bespoke seating that complements the newly refurbished interior by Rosendale Design.
The History of Benares
Named after Varanasi, India’s sacred city on the banks of the Ganges, Benares blends a deep spiritual heritage with the richness of modern fine dining. This is more than just a restaurant: it’s a destination where design, cuisine, and culture converge.
Since opening its doors in 2003, Benares has established itself as a cornerstone of Mayfair’s fine dining scene. The philosophy behind its culinary approach is both simple and profound: to celebrate the vibrant flavours of Indian cuisine using seasonal British ingredients. The result is a unique gastronomic fusion that honours the past while embracing the present. Each dish reflects a story of nostalgia, creativity, and modern sophistication, delivered with a touch of flair and playfulness. Menus change with the seasons, offering guests a new experience on every visit.
The Restaurant
Located in the prestigious Berkeley Square of Mayfair, Benares delivers its refined Indian cuisine in a setting as elevated as its menu. The restaurant strikes a careful balance between intimacy and grandeur; from the moment guests ascend the grand staircase to enter its serene, low-lit interior, the tone is set for a special experience. The space exudes elegance: soft textures, a muted palette, and ambient lighting create an atmosphere of calmness.
The private dining options are exceptional and reflect the venue’s versatility. Adjacent to the lounge are three distinctive rooms: the Berkeley Room (up to 16 guests), the Sommelier’s Room (with walls lined with wine bottles, seating 10), and a Chef’s Table (an exclusive eight-seat space overlooking the kitchen). At the far end of the restaurant lies the Dover Room, one of the largest private dining spaces in Mayfair, accommodating up to 36 guests. The room’s understated décor with dark wood panelling, white ceilings, and artwork in warm, earthy tones, allows it to be both a seamless part of the main space or a fully private heaven for celebrations.
The Interiors
The recent refurbishment has elevated the restaurant’s visual identity to match the culinary experience. The ambiance is rich yet relaxing, combining luxurious finishes with culturally resonant motifs. Warm tones flow across the space, complemented by high-quality fabrics and thoughtfully integrated decorative elements. From the moment you enter, you’re greeted by a tranquil water feature adorned with hanging crystal birds. Intricately patterned ceilings and carved wooden mosaics reference Indian craftsmanship, while the cocktail bar introduces a livelier energy, balancing the calm of the dining room.
We were proud to provide custom seating throughout: barstools for the lively bar area, dining chairs and banquettes for the central and side dining zones, and elegant fixed seating in the lounge.
The rich colours and textures of Benares
A key element in bringing the interior to life was the thoughtful selection of fabrics for the seating, blending a harmonious palette that reflects both cool serenity and warm vibrancy. Across the space, upholstery weaves together tones of blue, green, purple, and brown. These colours evoke elements of nature and ritual found in Varanasi: the verdant greens of riverbanks, the rich indigos of saris, and the earthy hues of marigolds and spice markets. The tactile quality of the fabrics complements the soft lighting and architectural design, creating a seamless balance between comfort and visual richness.
Bespoke Banquette Seating
Among our bespoke contributions, the standout piece is the Banquette Fixed Seating: a compact yet supremely comfortable seat, perfectly suited to cocktail lounges and refined bar settings. Its round silhouette offers an elegant shape, supporting both aesthetic continuity and functional ease. For Benares, we have selected the following upholstery fabrics:
The backrest features Enchant by Panaz in Damson, a premium velvet with a distinctive mottled finish that plays with light and direction. Paired with Bohemian Velvet by Mulberry in Fig/Sienna, for the seat, the result is visually striking yet deeply comfortable. These combinations elevate the seating to more than just furniture: they become part of the overall narrative of the space.
Benares is a holistic experience where design, flavour and atmosphere come together to tell a story of cultural fusion and modern elegance. We’re proud to have played a part in its latest transformation, helping to shape a space that invites guests to explore, savour, and return.
Whether you’re a long-time admirer or planning your first visit, we encourage you to experience the magic of Benares for yourself.
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