Where Mumbai rediscovers cool—The story of IFBE, the city’s most unique cultural space

Every city has that one address that everyone suddenly starts talking about. In Mumbai right now, that place is IFBE. What used to be an ice factory in Ballard Estate—forgotten by most, hidden behind layers of history and peeling paint—has quietly transformed into the city’s favourite new destination for art, design, and the kind of gatherings that make people fall in love with Mumbai all over again.

Walkthrough IFBE’s massive iron doors and it’s clear this isn’t your average event venue. Light pours through huge industrial windows, throwing shadows on exposed brick walls and old steel beams. The whole place has been restored with so much care that you still feel its past life, but now there’s a pulse of something fresh. Malik Architecture, the firm behind the transformation, has kept the building’s rough edges intact but filled the space with energy, possibility, and a feeling of modern ease.

At the heart of IFBE is the Ice Factory itself—a vast, flexible space that feels just as right for a luxury car launch as it does for an art installation or a buzzing fashion show. It’s big, raw, and endlessly adaptable, with ceilings that stretch skyward and a layout that invites the imagination to run wild. Next comes the Cathedral, a sun-filled hall with an almost spiritual vibe, perfect for moments that demand attention: a high-profile product reveal, a group exhibition, or an immersive performance that leaves people talking. And then there’s the Substation, a more intimate corner with a moodier feel—ideal for private dinners, indie screenings, and creative get-togethers where the best ideas are born.

IFBE’s magic, though, is about more than just the rooms. There’s always something happening here that feels bigger than the event itself. Maybe it’s the line-up of boundary-pushing artists showing work on the walls, or a brand hosting a party that people actually want to attend. Sometimes it’s a design talk that gets the city’s thinkers buzzing, or a cultural pop-up that pulls in faces from across Mumbai’s creative map. Whatever the occasion, IFBE somehow manages to raise the bar.

Good venues understand that memorable nights are made not just with ambience, but with food. Here, Native Bar & Restaurant is all about global flavours rooted in local memories—refined but never stuffy, the kind of place where dinner can turn into hours of conversation. The Banyan Tree Cafe, meanwhile, is flooded with sunlight and an easy vibe. You can drop in for a coffee, catch up with friends, or just take a moment out of your day in a space that feels welcoming and warm, whether you’re coming from a meeting or heading out to see a show.

Part of IFBE’s spirit comes from its name. As architect and co-founder Kamal Malik explains, the initials stand for more than just a location—they’re an invitation. “IF” is about possibility, the open door; “BE” is about balance and grounding, a place to land. It’s a philosophy that runs through everything here, from the bold architecture to the openness to new ideas. There’s a sense that IFBE isn’t just a building, but a platform for dialogue and creativity—a place where art, design, and people can push boundaries and find new ways to connect.

That’s why brands are lining up to launch their products here, and why the city’s artists, designers, and dreamers keep coming back. IFBE is more than a venue—it’s an address with personality, a space that’s as inspiring as the events it hosts. In a city as restless and alive as Mumbai, that’s no small achievement.

So next time you’re invited to IFBE, clear your calendar. This is where Mumbai’s energy comes together, where history and innovation meet, and where every event feels like something you’ll remember long after the night ends. For a city always searching for its next big moment, IFBE might just be it.

All images: IFBE