Palladium: Mumbai mall culture takes a turn for the better

Finally, a mall that isn't all about fast food and super markets.

In the industrial zone of Lower Parel, where the sound of mill machinery has been replaced by the clatter of heels, High Street Phoenix has opened the doors to the 200,000 square foot Palladium mall. A shopping and entertainment experience adjacent to the under-construction Shangri La Hotel.

Spread across four levels, the elegant interiors compliment the mix of premium and luxury brands -- which simply means finer ice-cream, better beer, costlier clothes and gift shopping made easier.

10 hugely likable things about Palladium are:

1. The Art Deco design inspiration, with a glass domed atrium, Italian marble, onyx and sheer feeling of space.
2. At the grand main entrance, note the liveried doorman with turban and belted long coat who looks like he's on loan from a Rajasthani palace.
3. Premier league nights in Mumbai will never be the same after the opening of the Manchester United Café Bar. Half-time top-ups and visits to the Wall of Fame, Skybox, Dugout area plus the Manager’s Bench surrounded by noisy, cheering footie fans.
4. The Collective boutique has everything for men. We love the in-house hair salon, Bespoke Café and maid-to-measure facility.
5. Coming soon: the Spanish fashion store for all seasons -- Zara. 
6. The Braille text on toilet doors is a thoughtful touch as are the full-length mirrors in the gents. But would all men appreciate the mirrors on the ceiling above the urinals? 
7. Swiss ice-cream chain Movenpick’s outlet provides a refreshing break from shopping, but make it your last stop if you plan to take a tub back home.
8. London’s popular Comedy Store opens here and will serve up stand-up comedy with a side order of food and drinks. As Don Ward, agent-producer-CEO of the Comedy Store told Open magazine, "Once I saw the old chimney at Phoenix Mills standing tall like a phallic symbol, I knew this was the place." 
9. There is a fairground attraction feel to walking around Tushiv -- The Illusion of Art on the third floor. The eyes of Buddha and Christ appear to follow you wherever you go.
10. And finally, a roster of brands that are hard to resist: Paul Smith, Rosenthal, Rohit Bal, Top Shop, Tie Rack, Burberry, MAC and restaurants Indigo Deli and Rajdhani.

What a feast.

Palladium, High Street Phoenix, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai.

Udita is a well established entertainment and lifestyle writer and author. From MTV India, to journalism where she successfully created the city’s first daily entertainment section, The List covering all things lifestyle and entertainment – from films and fashion, to food, art, retail & shopping to music and home entertainment.

Read more about Udita Jhunjhunwala