Loyalists throng to welcome re-opening of Bangalore’s Coffee House

BANGALORE - “Old habits die hard,” with these words septuagenarian Ramesh Shankar and his friends raised their ’special’ coffee cups, welcoming the re-opening of popular Indian Coffee House with a new address at Church Street in Bangalore.

More than a month after its closure, the hugely loved cafe re-opened Monday. Since then, it has been almost inundated with visitors, mostly old timers and loyalists who literally swear by its special filter coffee, scrambled eggs, bread-butter toast and dosas.

“I am hugely delighted to see the revival of Coffee House. It has a new address, but the same old charm. The restaurant, in spite of being in a new place, retains its great food, ambience and staff members. I wish Coffee House all the best and a long inning,” Shankar told IANS while sipping his favourite filter coffee.

Echoing Shankar, Bhaskar Roy took a trip down memory lane. “Our gang of friends have been regulars to the Coffee House for the last three decades. We were disappointed when our favourite get-together place was closed. We have come here today to mark the re-opening of the restaurant.”

Run by Indian Coffee Workers’ Cooperative Society Limited, the Indian Coffee House was established in January 1958.

After 50 long years of ‘glorious’ existence, the Coffee House at MG Road was forced to close its shutters April 5, after the society was asked to vacate the premises, following a long legal battle.

Coffee House Manager Mahesh told IANS: “Since the time we reopened Coffee House, there has been a deluge of visitors. We’re happy to get such a warm welcome.”

“It’s a new beginning for Coffee House and its huge family, including its clientele. We are hoping to start a new era, with old flavour,” he added.

As a part of the eatery’s innovation, Coffee House is planning to add more items to its menu in the coming months. There will be fixed-menu lunches, plus a few other culinary delights.

All the 42 staff members of the eatery are happy to get their ‘baby’ back.

Affiliated to Indian Coffee Workers’ Cooperative Society Limited, the staff members, most of whom have been working in the eatery for almost three decades, were distraught to witness the closure of Coffee House at MG Road.

“Coffee House is our baby. We have almost nurtured the place everyday. After its closure in MG Road, not only our jobs came under attack, but we thought that the family of Coffee House will be destroyed forever. We’re happy to be back in Coffee House and wanted to ensure our loyalists that we’re going to give them great times here,” smiled Hanumiah, the coffee maker who has delighted many discerning coffee lovers.

Except for its blue walls, Coffee House retains almost everything that was loved about the old place.

“Right from the aroma of brewing coffee, to old furniture, shining cutlery and great hospitality, Coffee House indeed tried its best to be the same place, which people love to visit again and again,” said Suresh, who has been frequenting Coffee House for the last three decades.

“I came here to enjoy my favourite scrambled eggs and toast. I had a great time with friends here,” he smiled.

(Maitreyee Boruah can be contacted at m.boruah@ians.in)