India’s favourite neighbourhood cafe Social has now opened its doors to Calcutta in Park Street after almost a decade, and we’re losing it as much as every other cafe lover in the city. Spanning three floors and a whopping 10,000 sq ft, it's a curated masterpiece. The first floor welcomes you with a big old wooden door, leading into a vibrant space filled with red and green colours, where they've got a stage for live music and stand-up comedy. A staircase decorated with beautiful alpona designs leads you to the second floor, decked up with nostalgic “Bengali Bari” wool-velvet carpets on the roof wall and gramophones - paying homage to Kolkata's love for music. And on the third floor, it lets you catch some sunsets with its open sitting area, topped off with a glass-panelled kitchen.
Taking notes from the infamous cabins you will see in College Street, Socials has small booth-like seating arrangements made of wood for you to enjoy some cozy time, with each booth equipped with tiny mirrors, switches, and sockets you would find in old Bengali houses. The walls of Socials also tell the tale of Kolkata - as they are full of images of the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, a shot of a vintage car, and rickshaws.
Get a taste of Kolkata's authentic food at Social, where Shamsul Wahid works his magic on some classic Bengali dishes. You've gotta try the Bengali Breakfast – it's not on the menu, but just ask for it. They'll give you Luchi and Aloor Dum, a Paratha with Ghugni, and Sandesh. Not to forget, their iconic Mutton Biryani, Button Mushroom Pizza, and their Longest Long Island Iced Tea (LLIIT) have gotten all of us in for a treat, seamlessly transitioning itself from a place perfect for conferences to a party atmosphere with music ranging from retro to techno.
Timings - Everyday, 9 AM - 12.30 AM
Rating - 3.6
Location - Russel St Social, BFL Bangur Estate, 1A, next to India's Hobby Centre, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016
Pocket Pinch - INR 1,700 for two with alcohol
