In the final episode of Magazine St. Kitchen x Swiggy presents Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal Season 4, Gauri sits down with Akhila Srinivas, the founder of Courtyard and Conservatory in Bengaluru. Akhila shares her unique journey from architecture to the world of food and culture, creating spaces that foster creativity, connection, and community.

After completing her studies in urban design at Columbia University in New York, Akhila returned to Bengaluru in 2011, only to realise that the city was missing informal yet meaningful spaces where people could gather, engage with culture, and explore new ideas. This observation led Akhila to coin the term ‘easy culture’, a concept she uses to describe spaces that are open, accessible, and designed to encourage creative expression and interaction.

In 2018, Akhila and her friends opened Courtyard, a café that would become a cultural hub for the city. What began as a simple café quickly transformed into a space for artists, designers, and creatives to come together and collaborate. Akhila explains how her architectural background helped her design a space that was not only functional but also inspiring. She talks about how she envisioned Courtyard as more than just a place to eat and drink, it was a space for the community to connect, exchange ideas, and build something together.

The conversation takes a turn as Akhila reflects on how Courtyard evolved over the years. She discusses how she balanced her architectural career with running Courtyard as a side project before fully committing to it. Akhila explains how she merged her design expertise with her passion for culture and food, creating a space that was constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community.

As the conversation continues, Akhila shares how the pandemic changed the direction of Courtyard. With the shift to smaller, more intimate events during the lockdown, Courtyard became a place for private gatherings and curated experiences. This time of transformation led to the creation of Conservatory in 2022, a dedicated space for pop-up events and collaborations. Akhila reveals how this new space was born out of necessity, allowing her to meet the increasing demand for curated cultural experiences in Bengaluru.

Akhila also speaks about Bengaluru’s changing food scene. Once known for its conservative food culture, the city is now a hub for young, adventurous chefs who are eager to push boundaries and offer new culinary experiences. Akhila discusses how Bengaluru’s growing tech and startup scene has introduced a demographic with disposable income and a curiosity for new experiences, contributing to the city’s cultural evolution.

The episode goes on to explore how Akhila’s approach to community-building has played a crucial role in the success of both Courtyard and Conservatory. She talks about how Courtyard has become a trusted space for people, with a loyal following that returns not just for the food, but for the events and cultural experiences that are curated there. Akhila explains how they carefully select events and collaborations, ensuring that they align with the values of the space and provide value to the community.

In the final part of the conversation, Akhila reveals her future plans. Although she has achieved success with Courtyard and Conservatory, she’s not interested in opening a traditional restaurant. Instead, she remains focused on creating spaces that champion culture and creativity. Akhila talks about her plans for a new music space at Courtyard, an ode to the Bengaluru she grew up in and the city’s evolving cultural landscape.

Through Akhila’s story, we gain valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of building spaces that nurture both the mind and the soul. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about community-building, creative spaces, and how Akhila has shaped the food and cultural scene in Bengaluru. Her journey is a testament to the power of following your passions, creating spaces that reflect your values, and building something that has a lasting impact on the community.

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