(via) This is hardly a bold prediction, but we anticipate more industrial spaces and warehouses in and around Olympic Village on the south side of False Creek giving way to fancypants restaurants. Since the area has already reached critical behemoth brewpub mass, we’re hoping that any heavy square footage newcomers go a completely different thematic route. As a starting point, check out the concept/look of Dishoom in London. The 250 seat, Irani-style restaurant is tucked away in a warehouse behind the city’s Central St. Martins’ Art College. Designed by Macauley Sinclair to echo the Irani cafe aesthetic that characterized the Indian Independence-era in Bombay, it’s nothing short of transportive. From the restaurant:

THE OLD IRANI CAFÉS of Bombay have almost all disappeared. Their faded elegance welcomed all: rich businessmen, sweaty taxi-wallas and courting couples. Fans turned slowly. Bentwood chairs were reflected in stained mirrors, next to sepia family portraits. Students had breakfast. Families dined. Lawyers read briefs. Writers found their characters. Opened early last century by Zoroastrian immigrants from Iran, there were almost four hundred cafés at their peak in the 1960s. Now, fewer than thirty remain. Their loss is much mourned by Bombayites.

And since we’re in the business of dreaming here, we think the old, rusting machine works/warehouse on the north end of Cook St. at 1st Avenue (between Cambie and Quebec) would be especially ideal. Of course it’s very likely going to end up being an unimaginative condo project – another fully erect symbol of our betrothal to Bob Rennie’s idealized Vancouver – but you never know. Perhaps adolescent lunacy will prevail…