GVQ Time Cafe: Where Time Takes Center Stage

GVQ Time Cafe: Where Time Takes Center Stage

By Author

Published on December 11, 2023

In the heart of Kerala, a unique cafe is rewriting the rules of traditional dining. Welcome to GVQ Time Cafe in Kalamassery, Kochi, where time becomes your currency, and the culinary experience knows no bounds.

Inspired by the anti-cafe movement in Europe, GVQ Time Cafe brings a fresh perspective to the cafe scene. Founded by Aathira Mohan and Allen K Kurian, this cafe introduces the innovative concept of paying for the time spent rather than a traditional food bill.

For just ₹150 per person in the first hour, patrons can enjoy unlimited beverages, freshly baked cookies, and an exclusive GVQ Crepe. The unique twist? After the initial hour, customers pay only ₹1 per minute, allowing them to relish the relaxed ambiance, engage in conversations, and indulge in endless coffees and cookies.

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GVQ Time Cafe boasts a thoughtfully curated menu featuring sandwiches, omelettes, and short eats like French fries, potato wedges, and chicken nuggets. The dessert menu includes tempting treats like chocolate cookies and chocolate brownies, with the most expensive item priced at just ₹199.

What sets GVQ apart is its commitment to simplicity. Aathira emphasizes that the focus is on the space itself, providing a welcoming environment. One standout feature is the flexibility for customers to bring their own food or order from outside, allowing for a personalized dining experience.

Aathira's dream cafe, GVQ (Jeevikku, meaning to live), has been three years in the making. The location, once described as a 'dump yard,' now stands as a testament to thoughtful transformation. The cafe is surrounded by ample space, featuring a herb and vegetable garden whose produce is used in the kitchen. The property preserves existing trees, enhancing the cafe's eco-friendly ethos.

Choosing Kalamassery as the location may seem unconventional, but Aathira notes the changing dynamics and connectivity, with the Metro station in close proximity.

GVQ Time Cafe has garnered a positive response since its recent opening. The founders envision taking this unique concept to major cities, with plans for an app to seamlessly book tables across multiple locations. Step into GVQ Time Cafe, where time becomes a cherished commodity, and the dining experience transcends the ordinary. It's not just a cafe; it's a celebration of time, freedom, and a new way to savor every moment.


Monkey Bar Brings Back Childhood Memories with Limited Edition Back to School Menu

Monkey Bar Brings Back Childhood Memories with Limited Edition Back to School Menu

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 20, 2026

Monkey Bar is inviting guests to take a trip down memory lane with the launch of its limited-edition Back to School menu in Bengaluru. Available until 30th June, the special offering brings together nostalgic street-side snacks and classic cocktails, celebrating the flavours and memories that many grew up with.

Created around the idea of revisiting simpler times, the menu has been curated by Monkey Bar founders Nikhil and Tushar along with Chef Clyde. Inspired by school-day memories, neighbourhood hangouts, and after-school treats, the experience is designed to recreate the comfort and joy of familiar favourites.

The food menu highlights some of India's most loved street-side snacks. Guests can enjoy cucumber slices topped with chaat masala and lime, raw mango seasoned with chilli and black salt, whole guava prepared with traditional street-style spices, and Kolkata's famous Jhalmuri mixed with vegetables, peanuts, mustard oil, and bold local flavours. These simple yet flavourful snacks bring back memories of carefree afternoons and conversations with friends.

Complementing the food selection is a cocktail menu dedicated to timeless classics that have remained popular across generations. The line-up includes favourites such as the Manhattan, Mojito, Gimlet, Clover Club, Piña Colada, Caipiroska, Tequila Sunrise, Blue Lagoon, and several other well-loved cocktails. Served in their classic form, the drinks celebrate the enduring appeal of traditional cocktail culture.

With its signature laid-back atmosphere, Monkey Bar combines nostalgic flavours and iconic drinks to create an experience centred around memories, friendships, and shared moments. Whether it's reconnecting with old friends or revisiting favourite rituals, the Back to School menu offers guests a chance to relive the spirit of the good old days.

  • Venue: Monkey Bar, Museum Road, Bengaluru
  • Date: 30th June
  • Timings: 12 PM to 1 AM


Chinese Wok Enters 50th City with Belagavi Launch, Strengthens South India Presence

Chinese Wok Enters 50th City with Belagavi Launch, Strengthens South India Presence

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 20, 2026

Chinese Wok, the popular Desi Chinese QSR brand from Lenexis Foodworks, has achieved a major milestone in its growth journey with its entry into the 50th city across India. The brand has marked the occasion with the launch of its first outlet in Belagavi (Belgaum), further expanding its footprint in South India to 89 stores.

With this addition, Chinese Wok has strengthened its presence in Karnataka, where it now operates 38 outlets. The expansion highlights the state's importance in the company's cluster-led growth strategy and reflects its continued focus on building a strong presence across key regional markets.

Over the years, Chinese Wok has evolved from operating in a single city to becoming a national QSR brand with a presence across 50 cities. The company has played an important role in shaping and organising India's growing Desi Chinese dining segment. Belagavi, one of North Karnataka's rapidly developing Tier-II cities, presents a promising opportunity due to its expanding young population, rising demand for organised dining options and growing preference for affordable and flavourful food experiences.

Commenting on the milestone, Arvind R P, Chief Executive Officer, Lenexis Foodworks, said, "Our entry into the 50th city is an important milestone in Chinese Wok's growth journey and reflects the increasing consumer acceptance of the Desi Chinese category across India. Over the years, we have focused on building a scalable and disciplined expansion model that combines strong unit economics with a consistent consumer experience. Belagavi is a natural addition to our network as we continue strengthening our presence across Karnataka and South India. Looking ahead, our focus remains on accelerating growth across emerging markets while building deeper category leadership through accessibility, affordability and innovation."

South India remains one of the brand's key growth regions, supported by a strong urban customer base, an active dining-out culture and increasing demand for organised QSR experiences. With 89 outlets across the region, Chinese Wok continues to focus on sustainable expansion through its cluster-led strategy.

The new Belagavi outlet has been developed in a high-street format, catering to both dine-in and takeaway customers. Guests can enjoy the brand's signature Desi Chinese menu, including Value Woks, Hakka Noodles, Kurkure Momos, Cheese and Schezwan Fries, along with a range of meal combos designed for families and groups.

As the brand continues its expansion across the country, the launch in Belagavi and its entry into the 50th city mark another important step in Chinese Wok's vision of creating one of India's most accessible and culturally relevant Desi Chinese QSR platforms.


Father’s Day 2026: Serious Slice Declares “The First Slice is His”

Father’s Day 2026: Serious Slice Declares “The First Slice is His”

By Author

Published on June 19, 2026

This Father’s Day, Serious Slice is rewriting the rules of the family table with a simple idea “The First Slice is His.” The Bengaluru-based pizza destination is turning Father’s Day 2026 into a warm, relaxed, and slightly playful celebration that places dads right at the centre of the dining experience.

Across its Cunningham Road and RR Nagar outlets, the restaurant is moving away from formal set menus and instead focusing on comfort, familiarity, and a sense of easy celebration. The idea is straightforward: give fathers a day where they are not just present at the table, but properly celebrated.

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From the moment guests arrive, the experience is designed to feel personal. Tables will feature “Reserved for Dad” placards, along with handwritten-style notes that add a simple, human touch to the celebration. Live acoustic music from local artists sets a relaxed mood, making the space feel more like a neighbourhood gathering than a curated event.

The highlight of the celebration is the “First Slice” House Rule. As part of this playful initiative, the first pizza slice loaded generously with toppings is served directly to the father at the table before anyone else. It’s a small but symbolic gesture that flips the usual dining hierarchy and ensures dads get the first bite of the meal they usually help organise.

The menu itself stays true to Serious Slice’s signature approach, fresh, indulgent, and unpretentious. Guests can expect a casual dining experience built around sharing, laughter, and comfort food that brings families together without overcomplication.

With its mix of humour, warmth, and thoughtful detail, Serious Slice’s Father’s Day celebration focuses less on extravagance and more on appreciation. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest gestures, a slice served first, a note of thanks, or a shared laugh can make the biggest impact.

For reservations, guests can contact +91 99009 41336.

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