We firmly believe that a coffee date in the hills can help wash all your worries away. The whiff of freshly brewed coffee, scent of sugary pastries in the air, and an uninterrupted view of the hills coupled together seems like a page torn out of a nice fiction novel where the protagonist is simply enjoying what they call the 'mountain life' in a cottagecore-inspired cardigan.
Enough of the fantasy, let's skip to what we are here to discuss: the iconic Landour Bakehouse. Nestled near the edge of the cliff with pines surrounding it like a hug, the Landour Bakehouse is barely three kilometres away from Mussoorie. The green nameboard is recognisable from afar. What makes it worth the travel is the mere fact that you get to savour delicious desserts (which is enough to convince us) while being transported back into history.
The recipes are from the famous Landour Cookbook, a collection of recipes contributed centuries ago by members of a book club started by Mrs. Lucas, wife of the pastor of Kellogg Church in Landour, and Irene Parker, one of the residents of Landour. Most of the desserts are named after the contributors (or their initials) and the recipes have been kept intact since all this time.
The creaking wooden floor, vintage charm of the space, printed ecru menus, faint chattering noise of people talking to each other (thanks to their no WIFI policy) and a view of the hills from the windows— all remind you of a bygone era when meeting your lads over a cup of coffee and a scone were the simplistic pleasures of life.
Landour Bakehouse's menu has all sorts of cakes and sweet delicacies. The OGs are the Landour's Old Fashioned Candy stick jaw, Mrs. Rusell Self's Coffee Streusel Cake, Virginia Brown's Banana Nut Cake, Betty Blickenstaff's Fruit Cake and Chocolate Swiss Roll that make you want to thank these ladies for sharing their wonderful recipes with the world, unaware how these sugary delights would continue to bring joy to future generations.
So, the next time you take a leisure trip to Mussoorie, don't miss on this gem. Might be packed with locals and tourists but you will definitely find a spot for yourself and a dessert that speaks to your heart.
Must Try: Landour's Old Fashioned Candy, coffee, Mrs. Rusell Self's Coffee Streusel Cake, Virginia Brown's Banana Nut Cake, Betty Blickenstaff's Fruit Cake and Chocolate Swiss Roll
Price For Two: INR 600 (approx)
Timings: 8 AM - 9 PM
Social Media: @landourbakehouse