A Natural Evolution for Marhaba 

The newly opened Marhaba Dessert and Ice Cream Bar on Wilmslow Road in South Manchester marks a bold and beautiful next step for the beloved brand. Designed by Junaid Khan of Bibi Interiors, this six-month transformation saw a full interior fit-out that brings warmth, tropical charm, and artisanal craftsmanship to the forefront.

Returning to collaborate with the Marhaba team after designing their first outlet in Blackburn five years ago, Khan embraced the opportunity to evolve the visual identity while staying true to its roots. A key goal of the project was to weave in natural elements, organic forms, and a fresh, inviting colour palette — most notably nougat orange and pistachio — to establish a unique ambiance. 

Wall Design as a Centrepiece 

One of the most compelling aspects of the new space is the wall design showcasing Havwoods' TreeAzzo and PurePanel collections. 

The Pistachio and brushed Nougat TreeAzzo panels add depth to the design, while HW31016 Artenay panels from the PurePanel collection bring natural wood grain textures. TreeAzzo’s handmade quality - with each resin-bound wood particle panel being one-of-a-kind - creates a rich chequerboard effect on selected walls. 

A Multi-Sensory Experience 

The rest of the interior follows suit, with hand-fired zellige tiles from Marrakesh, planting around the entrance, and sculptural elements drawn from nature, including a floral-inspired logo and organically shaped plaster ceiling panels. 

Custom furniture, bespoke lighting, and sweeping curves throughout the space. Every corner tells a story, every material chosen for both aesthetic appeal and artisanal integrity.