Trunk & Tandoor

A rooftop bar where mysticism meets mixology.
On the rooftop of Novotel Nairobi Westlands, a new Indian gastrobar was preparing to launch with big ambitions: sweeping skyline views, a bold cocktail list, and a vision to become a landmark nightlife destination. But just weeks before opening, Trunk & Tandoor had no visual identity, no signage, no menus, no voice, and no rituals to turn drinks into a night out. The team knew they had something special on their hands, but without a world to anchor it, the concept risked slipping into Nairobi’s increasingly saturated after-dark scene.

That’s when PurpleAsia was brought in.

Crafting the Identity of a Cocktail Sanctuary
Our challenge was to create a living, breathing brand experience. The idea began with the elephant already present in the interior décor—a symbol of myth, memory, and movement. We expanded the concept into something poetic, a place where spice routes, lunar cycles, and cocktail alchemy converge into a shared sensory ritual.

We designed the brand to feel hypnotic, sophisticated, and a little surreal. Jewel-toned palettes like Tiffin Gold, Jamun Purple, and Rose Red pulsed with energy. Elegant typefaces paired with whimsical illustrations: elephants mid-dance, star maps, ancient spices, and cosmic dust. What started as graphic elements became inviting signals, luring guests into an enthralling world of mysticism.

The Result
Trunk & Tandoor now stands as one of Nairobi’s most distinctive rooftop venues. A place where cosmopolitan Nairobi meets ancient India in a swirl of scent, sound, and story. From rooftop sunsets to late-night rituals, every detail hums with intention. The cocktails are unforgettable, but the shimmering sense of being part of something theatrical and rare is what brings people back.