Deepa Bhasthi

Back in 1958. the concept of hiring interior decorators was not full in vogue. But the person who planned the construction of the building that today house India Coffee I louse on MMG Road knew what lie was doing when he included a huge window the looks on to the road. The scene out side flows past in sIcwo motion and charming. says every loyalist.

The coffee house, a favourite haunt of intellectuals.. celebrities and shoppers who enjoy a short break, is managed by the Indian Coffee Workcrs' Cooperative Society Limited since it opened in 1058. After its sister unit in Avenue Road was closed down, this is the sole bearer of the torch of fine brewed coffee.

The present manager of the place, Purushottant. says that the inenu has not changed from the time it started. There arc no espressos and no cappucinos. just coffee the way it has been made for decades now. The interiors reflect a polite, discreet old world charm with aging waiters in white uniforms held together by broad.. faded red and gold belts around their waists. 'I lie falls that rotate with a whirling noise are of a kind tbat ale no longer manufactured by fan companies.

The only decor' on the blue walls are yellowed posters of Indian coffee brands from tunes past. A Bharatanatyant dancer looks adoringly at a hag of coffee beans wile in another, the cope sac:. 'Well brought up at home to save the whole world'

Drinking a cup of steaming hot coffee accompanied by pleasant conversation has been a tradition in South India. India Coffee I louse has taken upon itself to carry forward this ritual in its own way. with charm and elegance. just old times.