The first time I experienced Lila Art Cafe in Fort Kochi was when a friend of mine, Divij, came down from Bombay. I was excited to visit the place since I had heard good things about it on social media and I was equally eager to show it off to my friend. I remember it being a really rainy day. As soon as we entered Lila, there was a wonderful aroma of freshly baked confectionaries, similar to the one you get when you enter a bakery. This aroma, combined with that of petrichor, was a whole new experience for me.
My eyes met with that of my friend, and I could see in his eyes that he was experiencing the same thing as me. “What in the world is this place?” I thought to myself. There was a curated art collection, a room showcasing small business products, ample space to walk around and take everything in, and a delicious smell of food emanating from the kitchen. It was a complete sensory overload. That was my first impression of Lila Art Cafe.
There was something about the building in which Lila stood. It was rustic yet modern. I had come to know that the architects at Parinamah had put their unique charm into making it a wholesome space. But beyond that, the building stood for something else. You know when you enter a place and you feel a tingle? A tingle you get when the place has a lot of history, of stories. Lila had that. So when I spoke to the founders of Lila, I realized that this place has a 400-year-old history. I was shocked. 400 years? That’s a whole lot of historic energy stored within the walls of Lila.
In order to truly understand Lila Art Cafe, one must delve into the rich history of the building. Its walls hold countless stories, but one of the most fascinating tales dates back to the days when it served as the housing quarters for senior officers of Vasco da Gama’s ships. Legend has it that when the Portuguese were driven away by the Dutch, they concealed their wealth within the building’s walls and assigned slaves named Kappiri Muthapan to guard it. However, during attempts to retrieve the treasures, the walls collapsed. Interestingly, the tree in front of Lila is actually two trees that have grown together. According to legend, Kappi Muthapans would sit on the tree to perform their duties as guards of the treasures.
Over the years, this versatile building in Fort Kochi has been home to various occupants. From being the residence of the Viceroy to serving as a treasury and later a bank for the Britishers, it has witnessed a multitude of transformations. Even a renowned pharmaceutical company, Boots, and a school named Delta Study have left their mark on its storied walls.
However, Lila’s most recent chapter began when a family, composed of Mary, Jenny, Julie, and Princy, came together to bring their dream to life. Originally planning to establish Lila Art Cafe in Bangalore, they changed course when they laid eyes on this remarkable property. Their vision became a reality as they breathed new life into the building, paving the way for the vibrant and dynamic space that Lila is today.
The story behind the name Lila is as captivating as the space itself. “Lila,” which means “purple,” symbolizes the charm and strength of women, and this essence is artfully reflected in the curated experiential space. Architects Cyriac and Thomas were tasked with designing the space, and the women of Lila had one simple request – to infuse it with femininity. Cyriac and Thomas successfully captured the true essence of femininity in the space. Externally, the architecture reflects Portuguese influences, while internally, elements of Dutch architecture are integrated to preserve the historical significance of the place. The concept of a feminine space is meticulously explored within the structure, from the elegant Pavaratty marble chairs and tables to the thoughtful lighting design in the rooms.
Lila Art Cafe in Fort Kochi offers a range of carefully curated experiences designed to showcase the rich culture, history, and culinary traditions of Fort Kochi. Since its inception in February 2023, Lila has been committed to creating a truly immersive environment for its visitors. The space features a dedicated area that showcases products from various women entrepreneurs, paying tribute to the entrepreneurial spirit of the women of Kerala. Here, at the ‘Aashayam – The Lifestyle Store’, you’ll discover a thoughtfully selected collection of homegrown brands, each crafted with love, passion, and unique creativity, whether it’s a fashion label or a jewellery brand.
Venturing further, you’ll find ‘Kazhcha – The Art Gallery’, a space devoted to exhibiting artworks by talented artists. The founders of Lila shared that they’ve been fortunate to have a successful sale of their paintings, positioning Lila as one of the premier destinations for art in Kochi. Carefully curated to match the vibe of the space and align with Lila’s values of openness and inclusivity, the artwork on display will captivate you as you stroll through the corridor. Don’t miss the opportunity to admire the beauty of the 400-year-old well-located in the Nadumittam – it’s truly mesmerizing. On rare occasions, they even host musical nights with maestros in their courtyard. Those who have witnessed this have spoken highly of the experience, describing it not just as a mere musical night, but more of a conversation through music.
As you ascend to the upper floor, you’ll discover cosy areas such as ‘Idam – To Unwind in Solitude’ and ‘Maya – Curated Dining’, where an exceptional culinary journey awaits. Lila Art Cafe specializes in blending traditional Kerala cuisine with continental flavours. Their diverse menu is designed to cater to a wide range of palates, ensuring that every visitor finds something to delight their taste buds. If you happen to visit on a Sunday, you should not miss the brunch buffet, available for only 10 weeks a year. The buffet features various food stations, including South Indian, Continental, and Ramen stations, and culminates with a tantalizing selection of desserts from the in-house bakery, their aroma alone is enough to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.
I have this vivid wish of lounging at Lila, immersing myself in a book while savouring the irresistible combination of Kanthari prawns and butter croissants, all washed down with a piping hot cup of coffee. It’s part of a self-date checklist that I’m determined to turn into reality very soon. Speaking with the founders, I now know that Lila Art Cafe isn’t just another eatery in Fort Kochi; it’s a place where countless stories and histories converge, and I feel fortunate to be able to witness and be a part of it. The walls, adorned with tales of the past, will inspire me, and the beautiful artwork will kindle my creativity. I also look forward to supporting the female entrepreneurs who are part of Lila’s vision.
It’s amazing how stories can transform a place into something truly special, and that’s exactly what Lila is – a space brimming with history and warmth, run by incredible women with stories waiting to be shared. Next time you’re at Lila, think of all the things I’ve talked about. You’ll experience a different kind of Lila. I guarantee.
