From the 1950s to Today: The Evolution of Gaylord Restaurant

Admin

Published on July 3, 2024

In this exclusive interview, we delve into the insights of co-founders Dhruv and Divij Lamba as they discuss the intricacies of Gaylord restaurant and how they balance tradition with modernity.

Gaylord Fine Dining Restaurant stands as a testament to the city's rich culinary heritage. Established in the 1950s, it's not just a restaurant; it's a portal to a bygone era, where elegance meets exquisite flavors.

Stepping into Gaylord is like stepping into a time machine. The restaurant's interiors exude an old-world charm, with elegant furniture, high ceilings, and warm lighting. The ambiance evokes a sense of nostalgia, transporting you to a time when fine dining was a leisurely affair.

Gaylord caters to a variety of palates, offering a delightful combination of European and Indian flavors in a timeless and elegant setting. The menu also offers a delightful exploration of Continental and Indian cuisines. From succulent lamb shanks to creamy pastas, the Continental fare is sure to please. For those seeking a taste of India, Gaylord offers a curated selection of classic Indian dishes, prepared with fresh, local ingredients and seasoned to perfection.

What inspired you to undertake the renovation of Gaylord, and what was the vision behind the new design?

The renovation was driven by a desire to celebrate Gaylord’s rich legacy while ensuring its continued relevance. We envisioned a space that would transport guests to a bygone era, yet feel refreshingly modern. Like a cherished family heirloom reimagined for a new generation, the design is a beautiful marriage of black and white colonial charm with rich historical accents.

How did you ensure that the renovation maintained the essence and charm of Gaylord while incorporating modern elements?

The renovation of Gaylord wasn’t just about modernization; it was about preserving its soul. Black and white colonial aesthetics and historical accents create a familiar ambience. Imagine vintage furniture alongside a sleek Parisian patio, or exposed brick walls illuminated by modern chandeliers. This thoughtful blend ensures a refreshing yet nostalgic experience.

Every detail evokes the past – black and white photographs showcase iconic personalities, while historical artifacts whisper stories. It’s a testament to successfully integrating modern elements while safeguarding Gaylord's timeless charm.

Gaylord has a rich history spanning over six decades. How do you balance preserving its heritage with keeping up with contemporary dining trends?

The menu reflects a similar philosophy. Classic dishes like mashed potatoes and Chicken ala Kiev remain untouched, a nod to Gaylord’s legacy. However, Chef Vikram isn’t afraid to innovate. New creations pay homage to tradition with a modern twist, like a reimagined Lobster Thermidor or vegetarian options celebrating fresh produce. The menu caters to modern palates with healthy breakfast options and artisanal teas alongside classic Kashmiri Kahwa. It’s a story on a plate, weaving together Gaylord’s past and future, offering a taste of history with a contemporary flair.

Can you share some insights into the process of curating the menu for the revamped Gaylord? How did you decide which dishes to keep, alter, or introduce?

The revamped menu reflects this same philosophy. We worked closely with Chef Vikram to curate a selection that honors Gaylord’s signature dishes like the legendary mashed potatoes and Chicken ala Kiev. But we’ve also introduced exciting new creations, ensuring there’s something to tantalize every palate. It’s like a symphony of flavors, where classic notes blend with contemporary flourishes.

The restaurant is known for hosting cultural events. What are some upcoming events or initiatives that patrons can look forward to?

Gaylord has always been a cultural hub, and that tradition continues. We're excited to host a variety of events, from live piano recitals and grand musical evenings to specially curated high-tea parties. There’s something for everyone to experience the magic of Gaylord.

Gaylord has welcomed numerous iconic personalities over the years. Could you share any memorable anecdotes or experiences from hosting such guests?

Over the years, Gaylord has played host to some of India’s most iconic personalities. The walls whisper stories of laughter, shared meals, and unforgettable moments. It’s a privilege to carry forward this legacy of welcoming and celebrating artistic brilliance.

With the evolving dining preferences of today's consumers, how do you ensure Gaylord remains relevant and appealing to both loyal customers and new generations?

To remain relevant, we strive to understand evolving preferences while staying true to our core values. We offer a variety of cuisines, a vibrant new cocktail menu, and a warm, inviting ambience that caters to all generations. It’s about creating an experience that’s both familiar and exciting, a place where memories are made and stories are told.

As the current custodians of Gaylord, what do you envision for the future of the restaurant?
As custodians of this iconic establishment, we envision Gaylord as a timeless haven for generations to come. We’ll continue to innovate while cherishing its heritage, ensuring it remains a symbol of warmth, love, and of course, incredible food!

How would you describe the essence of dining at this iconic establishment for those who have never visited Gaylord?

For those who haven’t yet experienced Gaylord, imagine stepping into a portal that transports you to a bygone era. Imagine indulging in culinary masterpieces that whisper stories of the past while tantalizing your taste buds with contemporary flair. Imagine an ambience that exudes warmth, charm, and a touch of grandeur. That’s the essence of dining at Gaylord – a timeless journey for your senses and a cherished chapter in Mumbai’s vibrant story.

Shaping Colombo’s Luxury Hospitality Landscape: A Conversation with Andreas Streiber

Andreas Streiber

Published on March 1, 2026

In an exclusive interaction with Hospitality News, seasoned hospitality leader Andreas Streiber offered a thoughtful and compelling perspective on leadership, guest experience, and the evolving role of luxury hotels in dynamic city destinations. As the General Manager of Shangri-La Colombo, Andreas brings with him over 25 years of global experience with the Shangri-La Group, shaping his people-first philosophy and deeply rooted approach to service excellence.

Drawing from a career that spans multiple international markets, Andreas reflected on how global exposure has influenced his leadership style. He emphasised adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and empathy as critical elements in managing diverse teams and meeting the expectations of an increasingly global guest profile. According to him, understanding cultural nuances and fostering inclusive team environments are essential to delivering meaningful and authentic hospitality experiences.

Speaking about Shangri-La Colombo, Andreas described the property as more than just a luxury urban hotel. As a landmark development and the first new luxury hotel to open in Colombo in over three decades, it represents confidence in the city’s future as a global destination. He highlighted the hotel’s unique balance of contemporary elegance and Sri Lankan heritage, positioning it as a social and cultural hub for both international travellers and local communities.

Operational excellence remains a cornerstone of his leadership. Andreas shared insights into the importance of strong training programmes, quality control, and the strategic use of guest feedback to ensure consistency across service and performance. He also underlined the role of accountability and teamwork in delivering seamless guest experiences in a large luxury environment.

Food and beverage, he noted, plays a powerful role in shaping a hotel’s identity. By blending authentic local flavours with global culinary influences, the hotel aims to create dining experiences that are both culturally rich and emotionally engaging.

Looking ahead, Andreas outlined his vision for Shangri-La Colombo, one centred on deeper guest engagement, an inclusive and empowered team culture, and long-term leadership in sustainable luxury hospitality.

This insightful exchange offered a rare glimpse into the mindset of a leader shaping one of Colombo’s most iconic hospitality destinations. It was truly a great conversation, and we invite you to explore the complete interview in the Hospitality News March magazine, available on our website and in the physical print edition.

Shreya Malpani on Building the Future of Experiential Entertainment

Shreya Malpani

Published on March 1, 2026

As India’s leisure and entertainment industry enters a more experience-driven era, leadership clarity and operational precision are becoming defining factors of success. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitality News, Shreya Malpani, Director at the Malpani Group, shared powerful insights into how immersive destinations are being built for the modern Indian consumer.

Representing a new generation within the Group’s legacy, she is closely involved with brands such as ImagicaaWorld and Dave & Buster’s in India. Her vision signals a shift from traditional arcade-led formats to integrated, design-forward ecosystems where food, technology, and play converge seamlessly.

At the heart of her leadership philosophy lies clarity of vision and uncompromising experience standards. She emphasised that while multiple formats may operate under one umbrella, alignment in guest experience principles is non-negotiable. For her, strategy cannot remain disconnected from operations. Brand storytelling, team culture and on-ground delivery must move in sync to ensure experience integrity at scale.

Marketing, she explained, must evoke emotion before promoting offers. Campaigns are built around how guests should feel, ensuring that the promise communicated externally is consistently delivered internally. Emotional recall, according to her, is the true measure of brand strength in entertainment.

Reflecting on launching Dave & Buster’s in India, she highlighted a critical learning: global formats must be contextualised. Indian consumers are aspirational yet discerning, requiring a fine balance between international benchmarks and local cultural relevance. Authenticity and operational discipline, she noted, are essential to sustaining credibility.

On balancing creativity with operational excellence, she advocates “disciplined creativity”- encouraging bold ideas within structured systems that protect brand standards. Innovation, when supported by process, becomes sustainable.

Looking ahead, she sees integrated, multi-format destinations, personalization, immersive technology, and community-driven programming shaping the future of leisure in India.

It was a great conversation we had with her, one that reflects ambition, structure, and a clear direction for experiential growth. To explore the complete interaction, read the full feature in the HospitalityNews March Magazine on our website and secure your physical copy for an in-depth industry perspective.

People, Purpose, and Culinary Leadership

Chef V. Bharathan

Published on February 1, 2026

In an exclusive featured interaction with Hospitality News, Executive Chef V. Bharathan offers rare insights into the values and discipline that have shaped his remarkable journey in hospitality. From beginning his career at the very entry level of Food & Beverage service to leading complex culinary operations at Bengaluru Airport’s Terminal 1, his story reflects resilience, consistency, and purpose-led leadership.

Now serving as Executive Chef at Avolta India, Chef Bharathan speaks candidly about the formative years that taught him patience, humility, and endurance, and the mentors who shaped his belief that leadership must be firm on standards yet humane in practice. He also reflects on balancing authenticity and innovation while cooking for fast-moving, diverse traveller audiences, ensuring comfort without compromising culinary identity.

The conversation further explores his pioneering work in fireless and knifeless kitchen systems, developed to enhance safety, efficiency, and team confidence in high-volume airport environments. Equally compelling are his thoughts on inclusive employment, where dignity, trust, and opportunity emerge as the true pillars of hospitality.

This thoughtful exchange goes beyond food, revealing a leader driven by character, discipline, and conscience. It is a meaningful conversation that captures the evolving essence of culinary leadership in India today.

Readers can explore the complete interview in the Hospitality News February Magazine, available on our website and in the physical print edition.