Garner by IHG Expands Footprint in India with Third Hotel Signing

Garner by IHG Expands Footprint in India with Third Hotel Signing

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 28, 2025

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of its third Garner hotel in India, further accelerating its expansion in the country’s high-growth midscale segment. The newly signed Garner Kutch in Gujarat is set to open in early 2026, following closely on the heels of earlier signings in Etawah and Kathua. This latest agreement, signed with Royal Buildspace LLP, underscores the brand’s growing appeal in emerging Indian markets.

Garner, IHG’s midscale conversion brand launched recently in the IMEA region, is tailored for today’s value-conscious travellers seeking consistent, high-quality stays. The brand focuses on comfort, convenience, and relaxed service, paired with flexible spaces and a sense of local charm. This makes it a perfect fit for India’s evolving hospitality landscape, where rising demand is reshaping expectations, particularly in secondary and tertiary markets.

The upcoming property in Kutch will be operated by Rosastays, a preferred third-party operator for IHG’s Garner brand in India. Rosastays is also set to operate the other two Garner properties in Etawah and Kathua, further cementing its collaborative role in scaling the brand across India. Garner Kutch will offer 40 well-designed rooms and a host of amenities including an all-day dining restaurant, swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, and event spaces. Located in one of Gujarat’s fastest-developing districts, the hotel is poised to attract both business and leisure travellers.

Sudeep Jain, Managing Director for South West Asia at IHG, noted that the rapid pace of Garner’s growth reflects strong trust from owners in IHG’s conversion strategy. He highlighted Kutch’s promising economic trajectory as a fitting location for a brand like Garner, which offers high returns through an asset-light model. Jain emphasized that with partners like Rosastays and Royal Buildspace LLP, IHG is successfully unlocking the potential of underrepresented hospitality markets in India.

Deepika Arora, Director at Rosastays, shared that their focus remains on providing experience-driven stays that resonate with modern guests. She described Garner Kutch as an attractive option for travellers looking for reliable, comfortable, and locally inspired hospitality. With this third partnership under the Garner brand, Rosastays continues to reinforce its shared mission with IHG to elevate midscale hospitality in India’s leisure destinations.

Echoing this optimism, Deepak Chandnani, Partner at Royal Buildspace LLP, called Garner a brand that offers both strong character and operational support. He expressed confidence that the hotel will deliver a dependable and distinct stay experience, ideally suited for Kutch’s growing tourism and industrial landscape.

With a population of over two million, Kutch is fast emerging as a hotspot for tourism and industry in Gujarat. Events like the Rann Utsav and developments such as the upcoming DP World Special Economic Zone, located just 6 km from the hotel site, are expected to drive a steady rise in travel demand. Garner Kutch is strategically timed to meet this increasing need for quality accommodations.

With this latest signing, IHG continues to strengthen its foothold in India. The group currently operates 50 hotels across six brands and has a robust pipeline of 63 new properties expected to open in the next few years. The arrival of Garner Kutch signals a new chapter in IHG’s commitment to delivering trusted midscale hospitality experiences in India’s rising regions.


Mumbai's Best Restaurants to Celebrate Diwali 2024 with Friends and Family

Mumbai's Best Restaurants to Celebrate Diwali 2024 with Friends and Family

By Hariharan U

Published on October 17, 2025

This Diwali season, Mumbai's restaurant scene is ready to welcome you with open arms, twinkling lights, and plates full of delicious memories waiting to happen. If you're wondering where to take your celebrations this year, we've rounded up some of the city's finest spots that promise good food, great vibes, and that special festive glow.

Elegant Evenings at Amelia, BKC

Tucked away in the heart of BKC, Amelia brings European elegance to your Diwali table. This isn't just dinner, it's an experience wrapped in candlelight and sophistication. Their menu features beautifully plated dishes that look almost too good to eat. Think truffle-infused small plates, perfectly hand-rolled pastas, and desserts that define indulgence. The craft cocktails here are something special too. Whether you're planning a romantic evening or a small gathering with your closest people, Amelia delivers refined luxury without being over the top. It's the kind of place where friendship and fine food come together naturally.

The restaurant is located in BKC, and you can expect to spend around ₹2500 for two. Reservations can be made at 9619221133.

Vibrant Flavours at Torii, Bandra

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If you like your festivities colourful and full of energy, Torii in Bandra is calling your name. This spot brings together Pan-Asian and Latin influences in a way that just works. The menu is packed with exciting dishes, fresh sushi rolls, crispy gyoza that crunch just right, and wok-tossed mains loaded with umami flavours. The interiors are chic, the lighting sets the perfect mood, and the bar programme adds that extra sparkle to your evening. It's ideal for those who want their Diwali dinner to feel as lively as it does delicious.

You'll find Torii in Bandra, with an approximate cost of ₹3800 for two. Call 098333 73888 to book your table.

Comfort Food at Cream Centre

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Sometimes, the best celebrations are the ones that feel like home. Cream Centre has been a Mumbai favourite for years, and for good reason. This all-vegetarian spot is where nostalgia meets comfort on every plate. Their Chole Bhature, sizzlers, pastas, and that famous sizzling brownie have been bringing families together for generations. It's the kind of meal where everyone's laughing, sharing, and probably fighting over the last bite of dessert. Perfect for a family outing or a cosy night with friends who feel like family.

Fiery Fun at Nando's, Lower Parelimage

Want to add some heat to your Diwali? Nando's famous PERi-PERi flavours bring the fire to your festive table. Their flame-grilled chicken, loaded platters, spicy paneer wraps, and zesty sides pack bold flavours that make you smile with every bite. The vibe here is casual, playful, and full of good energy, making it perfect for celebrations with your crew. Picture this: loud laughter, clinking glasses of lemonade, and a table full of people having the best time. Some Diwali nights are meant to be exactly this, easy, fiery, and fun.

Jyran at Sofitel BKCimage

For those seeking something truly special, Jyran offers a five-star experience rooted in North-West Frontier traditions. This Diwali, the restaurant transforms into a candlelit sanctuary of elegance. Every dish here tells a story, from smoky kebabs to slow-cooked curries that carry the soul of age-old recipes with a modern touch. The interiors are plush with deep colours and handcrafted details, and there's a beautiful alfresco terrace if you prefer dining under the stars. Their signature gin bar is one of the few in the city, offering cocktails that perfectly complement the rich flavours on your plate. This is quiet luxury at its finest.

BarQat at JW Marriott Sahar

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The name means 'abundance', and that's exactly what you get at BarQat. This restaurant celebrates Indian culinary heritage with a contemporary twist. The golden interiors, mirrored walls, and warm lighting create an atmosphere that feels almost cinematic. The menu takes you on a journey across India, from saffron-rich gravies of the north to the spiced coastal flavours of the south. Each dish is thoughtfully layered and beautifully plated. The service is impeccable, and the bar programme cleverly mixes Indian ingredients with global spirits. It's traditional at heart but completely modern in execution, making it perfect for a festive dinner that honours heritage while embracing the new.

Late Checkout in Lower Parel

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If your Diwali plans involve celebrating well past midnight, Late Checkout is where you need to be. This restored warehouse space is a beautiful mix of contrasts, raw industrial walls meet velvet textures, vintage elegance flows into modern cool, and low lighting meets disco shimmer. The cocktails here are inventive, made with in-house infusions, and the Asian-inspired bar plates are designed to keep you going through the night. The music starts mellow and builds as the evening progresses. You even enter by golf cart, which sets the tone for the unique experience ahead. It's a stylish escape for those who want their Diwali glow to last long after dinner ends.

This Diwali, Mumbai's dining scene has something for everyone. Whether you're after elegant fine dining, comfort food that feels like a warm hug, or a lively night out with friends, these restaurants are ready to make your festival of lights truly memorable. So gather your people, pick your spot, and get ready for a celebration that's all about good food, great company, and the joy of being together.


Sunbay by Food Service India Launches New Boiled Pulses Range on World Food Day

Sunbay by Food Service India Launches New Boiled Pulses Range on World Food Day

By Hariharan U

Published on October 17, 2025

Food Service India Pvt. Ltd. (FSIPL), one of the country’s leading B2B food solutions companies, has launched a new line of shelf-stable boiled pulses under its premium brand, Sunbay, in celebration of World Food Day.

This innovative range, featuring Boiled Rajma, Boiled Chole, and Boiled Urad Dal is designed to make life easier for chefs, caterers, and kitchen operators across hotels, QSRs, banquets, institutional kitchens, and cloud kitchens. Fully cooked, vacuum-sealed, and hygienically packed, these pulses deliver authentic flavour and consistent quality while drastically cutting prep time.

India remains the largest producer and consumer of pulses, and as the country’s food service market grows from ₹4,980 crores in 2024 to an estimated ₹11,680 crores by 2033 (Custom Market Insights), the need for efficient, scalable kitchen solutions is higher than ever. Sunbay’s new range directly addresses this demand  helping professional kitchens reduce preparation time by up to 80%, cut manpower needs by up to 30%, and minimise wastage through portion-controlled packs.

With the launch of Sunbay’s boiled pulses range, we are enabling professional kitchens to prep less and serve more,” said Ajay Mariwala, Managing Director, Food Service India Pvt. Ltd. “We aim to help chefs save time without compromising on quality, taste, or control. This solution enhances both kitchen efficiency and profitability. On this World Food Day, we are taking our commitment towards ready-to-cook food much higher.”

By streamlining operations and ensuring standardised taste across multiple locations, Sunbay’s new range offers a smart, sustainable way for kitchens to stay efficient while serving consistently great food.

About Food Service India Pvt. Ltd

Founded in 2016 by Mr. Ajay Jayasinh Mariwala, Food Service India Pvt. Ltd. (FSIPL) has redefined B2B food solutions for the Indian hospitality sector. With a portfolio of over 550 SKUs catering to more than 40,000 customers nationwide, the company offers gravies, sauces, seasonings, beverages, canned produce, and pasta. FSIPL’s focus on research-driven innovation and quality ensures customised, consistent, and scalable culinary solutions for the HoReCa industry.
Website: https://foodserviceindia.com/

About Sunbay

Sunbay, a flagship brand by FSIPL, is known for its premium range of sauces, gravies, and pastes designed for the HoReCa segment. With the addition of its boiled pulses line, the brand continues to deliver convenience, reliability, and taste, helping chefs serve efficiently without compromising on quality.


Bharat Vedica Launches Special Gifting Combos for Diwali

Bharat Vedica Launches Special Gifting Combos for Diwali

By Hariharan U

Published on October 17, 2025

This Diwali, Bharat Vedica invites everyone to rediscover the joy of gifting with its Swarna Bhojini Golden Festive Delight combos,  an ode to purity, wellness, and the essence of Indian tradition.

Rooted in the philosophy of nature and nourishment, these festive hampers go beyond the idea of gifting. They celebrate mindful living through ethically harvested, organic ingredients that are free from artificial colours, flavours, and additives. Each element within the combo reflects Bharat Vedica’s commitment to sustainability and the timeless wisdom of Indian heritage.

More than just festive hampers, Swarna Bhojini is designed to encourage mindful indulgence, to slow down, cook with intention, and celebrate with balance. From natural essentials to thoughtfully chosen flavours, every ingredient tells a story of care and connection, offering nourishment for both the body and soul.

With elegant presentation and a focus on holistic well-being, the Swarna Bhojini Golden Festive Delight makes for a meaningful Diwali gift, one that brings warmth, health, and a golden glow to every celebration.

Website: https://bharatvedica.com/products/swarna-bhojini-golden-festive-delight

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