A Journey to the Heart of European and Middle Eastern Fusion: Logma Cafe
Nestled in the vibrant streets of Hackney, Logma cafe is not just a culinary destination but also a tapestry woven from the threads of Iranian and Iraqi heritage. Designed by Bahbak Hashemi-Nezhad in collaboration with architect Farrokh Aman, the cafe’s charming interior resonates with the rich history of traditional Middle Eastern bistros, while embracing contemporary design aesthetics.
The Creative Minds Behind Logma: Bahbak Hashemi-Nezhad and Farrokh Aman
Bahbak Hashemi-Nezhad, a designer renowned for his multidisciplinary approach, teamed up with Farrokh Aman, a London-based architect and furniture designer, to bring Logma to life. This duo’s partnership reflects a shared ethos rooted in their Iranian heritage. They aimed to create a space that embodies the essence of home cooking, memory, and communal dining, showcasing their cultural pride while innovating for a modern audience.
Transition from Supper Club to Permanent Cafe
Logma was born from the successful supper club series conceptualized by owners Ziad Halub and Farsin Rabiee. After an engaging start in 2024, they decided to establish a permanent cafe, inviting friends and fellow creators to help shape its direction. The evolution from a cozy supper club to a full-fledged cafe has allowed Halub and Rabiee to create a welcoming environment where guests can indulge in authentic Middle Eastern cuisine.
A Focus on Atmosphere: Designing Logma’s Interior
In their design process, Hashemi-Nezhad and Aman emphasized creating an atmosphere rather than just focusing on the physical space. They contemplated what a contemporary Iranian-Iraqi cafe would look like in Hackney, resulting in a design that respects tradition while embracing modernity. The paired efforts resulted in a chic and theatrical environment that feels inviting during the day and vibrant after dark.
Inspirations Drawn from Traditional Spaces
Logma’s design draws heavily from traditional Iranian coffee houses, weaving in elements reminiscent of both Eastern and Western aesthetics. The interior features a softer grandeur, mixing domestic comforts with stylish elements that convey a sense of cultural storytelling.
The Communal Experience
The cafe’s 32-square-metre space is designed around community. A communal table and a bar with seating for 18 fosters a shared dining experience, promoting togetherness and social interaction—a hallmark of Middle Eastern hospitality. Downstairs, a functional prep kitchen ensures that the cafe can serve its culinary offerings with ease.
Reimagining Middle Eastern Interiors
Throughout the cafe, familiar elements from Middle Eastern interiors are reinterpreted into a fresh design language. Lace curtains, mirror installations, and striking chandeliers create a dynamic visual experience. Two large mirrors enhance spatial perceptions, inviting diners to engage through unexpected reflections, contributing to a communicative environment.
Furniture and Fixtures: Handcrafted with Care
Hashemi-Nezhad and Aman felt it important to design bespoke furniture for Logma, enhancing its unique identity. The pistachio-colored bar and cherry wood dining table were custom-crafted by Jones Neville, while classic bentwood bistro chairs and playful polycarbonate stools add a lighthearted touch to the atmosphere. Each piece is thoughtfully selected and created to resonate with the overall aesthetic.
Art and Accents
The cafe features a large-scale oil painting by Carlos Bellido Flores, which adds a layer of artistic depth to the environment. Candles and chandeliers illuminate the space, creating an intimate ambiance when the sun sets. Hashemi-Nezhad’s unique lighting creations, which drape molten glass over dark steel frames, serve as focal points that echo traditional Iraqi and Iranian lamp designs.
Textiles that Tell a Story
Textiles play a significant role in shaping the cafe’s visual narrative. Custom portière curtains by textile artist Annika Thiems complement layered lace and latex drapes. These textiles soften the aesthetic, inviting warmth and familiarity to a space that embraces both tradition and modernity.
A Living, Breathing Space
The design process for Logma involved iterations following a soft launch, allowing for a fully realized space free of superfluous design elements. The intention was to create a living environment that evolves organically, ensuring that each addition serves a practical purpose while enhancing the overall atmosphere.
Cultural Significance and Personal Touch
Hashemi-Nezhad and Aman’s collaboration at Logma is a genuine reflection of their backgrounds, creating a connection between design, food, and shared cultural heritage. As they explore the complexities of domesticity through their design choices, every element of Logma speaks to the pride and hospitality intrinsic to Middle Eastern culture.
Photography that Captures the Essence
The vivid photography by Ali Koobideh encapsulates the spirit of Logma, presenting not only the physical design but also the emotional experience it aims to provide its guests.
In every corner of Logma, one can feel the harmony between culture and modernity, inviting guests to not just dine, but to experience a warm and welcoming slice of Iranian-Iraqi heritage in the heart of Hackney.