In the final episode of Magazine St. Kitchen x Swiggy presents Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal Season 4, Gauri is joined by Akhila Srinivas, the founder of Courtyard and Conservatory in Bengaluru. Akhila shares her unique journey from architecture to creating a cultural hub that fosters creativity, connection, and community.

Akhila began her career in architecture after studying at Columbia University in New York. However, when she returned to Bengaluru in 2011, she realised the city lacked spaces where people could engage with culture in a relaxed and accessible way. Inspired by this observation, she coined the term ‘easy culture’ to describe spaces that feel open and natural, where culture could thrive without barriers.

In 2018, Akhila opened Courtyard, initially as a simple café, but it quickly evolved into much more. As she discusses in this episode, her architectural background played a significant role in designing a space that was not just a café, but a place for artists, thinkers, and creatives to come together. Akhila explains how Courtyard became a cultural hub, offering a platform for unique events, performances, and gatherings.

Akhila also discusses how she was able to juggle her architectural career with running Courtyard on the side. Over time, she realised that the café could become a larger part of her life and her vision. She talks about how she merged her design skills with her love for culture to create a space that evolves with the needs of its community.

The conversation also covers how the pandemic shifted Akhila’s focus toward smaller, intimate events and private gatherings. This shift led to the creation of Conservatory in 2022, a dedicated space for pop-up events. Akhila shares how this new space was born out of necessity and how it met the demand for curated experiences in Bengaluru.

Additionally, Akhila discusses how Bengaluru’s food and beverage scene is evolving. Once known for its conservative approach, the city has become a hub for adventurous chefs and curious diners who are eager to explore new experiences. Akhila talks about the impact of the city’s growing tech and startup scene on its cultural and food landscape, and how young people are embracing new ways of eating and experiencing food.

Tune in to hear how Akhila combined her passion for architecture, culture, and community to create spaces that bring people together, inspire creativity, and support cultural exchange. Her story is a testament to the power of following your instincts, building a space that reflects your values, and creating something meaningful that has a lasting impact.

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