As millions of Muslims observe Ramadan across the UK, furniture giant IKEA has created a temporary “home away from home” in central London to help commuters break their fast during the evening rush hour.

The retailer last week opened a pop-up living space on the South Bank, offering Muslim travellers a place to pause, pray and share an Iftar meal while making their way home from work.

This year Ramadan falls during a period when sunset coincides with peak commuting times, meaning many Muslims are forced to break their fast on trains, buses or while rushing through stations.

Recognising the challenge, IKEA transformed Observation Point near Waterloo Station into a cosy domestic setting, hosting three free “Iftar at Ours” evenings where guests could gather to break their fast in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

The space was designed in collaboration with Muslim interior designer Noor Aliyah Ali, who styled the pop-up to resemble a familiar British Muslim household.

Drawing on IKEA products and personal touches, the interior was intended to evoke the warmth of “your auntie’s living room” – a place where guests could sit together, unwind and feel at home.

Visitors were welcomed with dates and water to break their fast before being invited to pray in a dedicated prayer room.

They were then served a four-course meal created by Muslim chef Mursal Saiq and content creator Majida Sofi Basit, featuring dishes inspired by culinary traditions from across the Muslim world.

The menu included za’atar naan with shawarma-spiced mushrooms, grilled courgettes with yoghurt and pickles, 14-hour oak-smoked brisket Kabuli pilau, and a cardamom and date banana loaf served with Qahwa-infused vegan cream.

The initiative was developed in consultation with Amaliah, a platform centred on the voices and experiences of Muslim women.

Majida Sofi Basit, who collaborated on the project, said the experience reflected a common reality for many Muslims observing Ramadan while balancing work and daily commitments.

She said: “The experience of breaking fast on a busy tube or bus due to work schedules or daily demands is a familiar one for many Muslims. It was refreshing to celebrate Iftar with the community in such a welcoming setting while on my way home.”

Nick Singh, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion lead for IKEA UK and Ireland, said the idea grew from recognising the pressures many Muslim commuters face during Ramadan.

He said: “When we realised many people would be breaking their fast while travelling home, we saw an opportunity to create a welcoming space where commuters could pause and share the moment with others.”

The South Bank events form part of a wider Ramadan initiative by IKEA, which is also partnering with charity Ramadan Tent Project to support an Open Iftar gathering at the Library of Birmingham later this month.

For many guests, the temporary living room offered more than just a meal — it provided a moment of calm and community during one of London’s busiest hours.