Cool Spaces: Bombay Bicycle Club Revamp

WORDS Michaela Stehr IMAGES Karl Rogers Photography


Cape Town’s quirky restaurant Bombay Bicycle Club – part of the Madame Zingara Group – has undergone a bright and bold transformation.

The spot is well known for its fun and bohemian decor, which matches the fun and relaxed atmosphere of the space and the guests who frequent there. The latest incantation of the space was tackled by local design aficionados Onnah Design, who also recently revamped their sister restaurant, The Manhattan. The concept was to brighten the space, making it relevant again with a fresh new look. “Onnah Design drew inspiration from the venue’s name, BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB. For the new look and feel I took my cue from the words ‘bicycle’ and ‘Bombay’,” explains the team from Onnah Design. “We turned things on its head, Bombay Bicycle style, by changing the entire internal layout.”

Bombay Bicycle Club

The old bar and lounge area have been transformed into a new dining space, with the bar now situated at the front of the restaurant under the existing upper mezzanine level. Upcycled and painted bicycles hang from the ceiling, playing on the restaurant name and adding a fun element of surprise and surrealism to the space. Tongue-in-cheek neon signs are scattered around the space, adding to the cheeky nature of the restaurant’s overall vibe. Fabrics and textures pay homage to Bombay with bold prints and patterns, while creative paintwork from Illaria Louw brings through another exciting element.

Looking for more on local design? Take a look at this ‘before and after’ of Cafe Manhattan.