Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL)’s signature lifestyle catering brand Soulinaire has partnered with IF.BE, marking a new chapter in the evolution of the 150-year-old restored industrial landmark in Mumbai.
This collaboration aims to create a seamless blend of culture and hospitality, curating immersive and inspiring experiences for urban audiences.
Reviving a heritage landmark
Located in Ballard Estate, IF.BE is a distinctive cultural centre housed within a restored 150-year-old ice factory.
The space brings together heritage architecture and contemporary art and design, emerging as a collaborative hub for creativity, dialogue, and urban revitalisation. Through adaptive reuse, the landmark preserves its industrial legacy while being reinterpreted through modern cultural programming.
A multi-dimensional cultural destination
IF.BE houses a range of dining and social destinations, including Native Bombay, a modern Indian restaurant; The Banyan Tree Café, set in a tranquil courtyard; and The Native Lounge, a contemporary bar and lounge.
In addition, its flexible cultural and event venues, such as The Ice Factory, The Cathedral, and The Substation—host diverse programming, including art exhibitions, conferences, luxury brand showcases, performances, and private gatherings.
Two brands with a shared commitment
IHCL executive vice president, operations, Somnath Mukherjee said: “This partnership brings together two brands with a shared commitment to craft, culture, and experience. IF.BE has evolved into a distinctive cultural destination within Mumbai’s urban fabric, and this association marks Soulinaire’s entry into one of the city’s historic precincts to curate experiences rooted in design and dialogue.”
IF.BE founding partner Kamal Malik, said: “IF.BE has always been envisioned as a space where ideas, people, and disciplines converge. Through this collaboration with Soulinaire, we are able to extend that vision—bringing together strong cultural programming with a level of culinary refinement and operational depth that enhances every interaction within the space.”
A platform for culture and collaboration
IF.BE is a multi-disciplinary cultural platform conceived as a catalyst for ideas, where architecture, design and the arts intersect to challenge and reimagine contemporary urban culture.
Anchored in regeneration, the platform fosters dialogue, collaboration and new ways of engaging with the built environment.