Kolamba East by FARE INC.
London-based interior design studio FARE INC. has transformed a former derelict warehouse in Spitalfields into a Sri Lankan restaurant that combines modernist principles with tropical elements.
Located in the Norton Folgate development near Liverpool Street Station, the 95-cover Kolamba East restaurant occupies a historic building that stood empty for four decades. The space now serves as the second outpost for restaurateurs Eroshan and Aushi Meewella, following their successful Soho establishment.
"The site is truly special," FARE INC. founder and creative director Annie Harrison shared. "Set just off Spitalfields market and surrounded by cobbled streets, this warehouse represents an authentic piece of London positioned between the City and Shoreditch."
Drawing inspiration from their award-winning design of the original Kolamba in 2019, FARE INC. has developed an interior that celebrates both the building's industrial heritage and Sri Lankan cultural elements. The studio retained and enhanced the original architectural features, including exposed brick walls and distinctive ceilings.
"To complement the raw architecture, we introduced backlit timber panelling inspired by Geoffrey Bawa's modernist principles," Harrison explained. "This creates a dialogue between Sri Lankan architectural heritage and the building's historical character."
The material palette combines rough plaster finishes in bright white with the warehouse's industrial brickwork, while incorporating subtle hints of tropical timber. A prominent bar serves as the focal point, surrounded by Oasis Green marble crazy paving – a refined interpretation of the large-format terrazzo found in the Soho location.
Custom elements throughout the space include distinctive lighting fixtures adorned with patchwork fabric and bespoke banquettes. The studio emphasized texture over color, employing tonal neutrals punctuated by deep tropical greens and warm rust tans that harmonize with the existing brickwork. This interplay of rough urban textures with polished concrete and aged brass creates a dynamic visual experience.
Working closely with the Meewellas, FARE INC. integrated authentic Sri Lankan craftsmanship into the design. The space features Sonali Dharmawardena's batik fabrics, handmade dining chairs, and lotus table lamps crafted by artisans from Colombo, ensuring a genuine cultural connection while maintaining contemporary design principles. The collaborative approach extended to the construction phase, with Eroshan Meewella managing the build while Aushi Meewella participated in the design process and artisan sourcing.
Kolamba East offers diners an immersive experience that celebrates Colombo's culinary heritage, with a menu inspired by the founders' childhood memories and Sri Lanka's diverse communities.
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