A new four-storey “culture hub” will rise up in Bandra at the end of April, and it’s going to be swell. Titled Temperance, the 8,000 square feet space replaces Deanne Panday’s Play gym, and will house a café/deli, MMA gym, workshop space, yoga-dance studio and the home of two pretty owners - Viola Wadia and Hema Thakur.

Genuine need for a culture hub or an elaborate plan to move out of their parents’ homes? While Viola’s mom might pick the latter, she, a jeweler and Hema, a chemical consultant, insist that a space like this was very required. One where people can “eat right, think well and stay fit, hence the name Temperance, which denotes self-control, precision and balance.” The Bandra girls have been working for over a year now to conceptualise this space that will probably serve as a good sample size for Bandra researchers in the months to come. bpb got a sneak peek and found this (view the slideshow here):

The Café: Plant Workers

Inspired by a garden café that Viola and Hema visited in Ibiza, this two level eatery will have a pretty outside section lined with bamboo, hung with plant chandeliers and fenced by lattice walls with tea light candles. Bougainvillea will also creep around the place. The inside, described as “boho chic”, will have a deli counter, juice bar, comfy couches and book shelves for the lone diner who needs company. Here you can grab a salad, pasta or sandwich - look out for vegan, raw food specialties. Health shots, tea, coffee and smoothies will also be available.

The Dance and Yoga Studio: Rope Walk Lane

Besides the usual, ho-hum Bolly Hop, salsa and Zumba, the level three wooden dance studio will also host cool classes in rope mallakhamb and poi (fire spinning). YogaSutra (Kemp’s Conrer)’s Samanta Duggal and Qusai Kathawala will teach sessions in classical and traditional forms of yoga.  Also, personalised classes will be available on request.

MMA Gym: Rings True

The entire fourth level with a tripped out sloping roof that will remind you of a late night Kung Fu film, is dedicated to a mixed martial arts (MMA) gym, complete with a ring and everything! Classes in krav maga, grappling, judo, jujutsu, kickboxing and women’s self defence will be taught. Registrations for all classes are now open, get the form here.

In addition to this, Temperance will also result in the mushrooming of several culture clubs, starting with one for film and books. Considering all the activities, it will be hard to get lonely here. But if you still need a friend, look up Viola and Hema. They’re the girls in 2A.

Getting there: Temperance , St. Xaverian Court, Sherly Rajan Road, near Rizvi College of Hotel Management, Bandra (W), call 9820387694 / 9833833270, start at Rs 3,000 for 8 classes a month, register here, opens at the end of April. Watch this space for updates.