The coffee house in India in the late 1950’s to 1980’s was a special place. Here, memories were built, discussions were held, debates raged, peace reigned over a cup of coffee and newspaper. It was a place for escaping the hustle and bustle of life as also a place to meet up.
The thought that this hotel chain across India conjures up is the special filter coffee in a steel tumbler and davara. But that was not the only item available. The regional specialities and delicacies were served as well. The waiter is dressed in a white shirt and trouser with a turban.
This coffee house initially was all about open wide spacious hall with huge windows, sunlight streaming in and plenty of space between tables. Low hanging fans and tubelights made this place very comfortable.
A person could just sit for hours with his/her coffee and read the newspaper. A group of people could be around a table and discuss their affairs animatedly. Time and space both seemed to be available in plenty. It was a place to relax and enjoy.
The special filter coffee was the icing on the cake. Waiters were always available but never obstrusive or intimate.
The description given above pertains to that era. However, this chain still exists across India. The ambiance and the looks may have changed. But the memories linger on.
Why write about this at this time? We should look back to look forward. We may probably not be able to get back that same ambiance but we can still get a taste of that era in this hotel chain.
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