SOCIAL Debuts in Lucknow with its 55th Outlet in Hazratganj

SOCIAL Debuts in Lucknow with its 55th Outlet in Hazratganj

By Nishang Narayan

Published on September 23, 2024

SOCIAL, India’s beloved café-bar brand, has officially opened its doors in the heart of Lucknow’s iconic Hazratganj. This marks the brand’s 55th outlet and the first-ever in the city, offering locals and visitors a fresh blend of cultural heritage with modern quirk.

Located in a beautifully restored old Haveli, the new SOCIAL outlet can host 500 guests across two floors, combining traditional Awadhi architecture with SOCIAL’s signature contemporary vibe. Visitors can expect to find heritage windows, ‘Lakhori’ bricks, and classic jharokhas, alongside quirky artworks that reflect Lucknow’s rich history.

The café offers an unmatched rooftop experience, known as the SOCIAL Chhatt, where guests can soak in panoramic views of Hazratganj’s bustling streets and iconic landmarks like the General Post Office. This scenic spot is perfect for unwinding, socializing, and embracing the city’s charm from above.

For Lucknowites, the term “ganjing” – a local slang for leisurely exploring Hazratganj’s streets – is more than an activity; it’s a tradition. By opening its doors in Hazratganj, SOCIAL becomes a part of this tradition, offering a new space for the city's residents to relax, create memories, and celebrate the unique essence of "ganjing".

“SOCIAL’s arrival in Hazratganj feels like the perfect fit," says Riyaaz Amlani, Managing Director of Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. "This area holds a rich history and a vibrant culture, and we’re excited to blend that with SOCIAL’s unique twist—heritage meeting hustle.”

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Adding to this, Arshad Syed, Executive Director at Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., who hails from Lucknow, says, “It’s a dream come true to bring Hazratganj SOCIAL to life. This space celebrates everything SOCIAL stands for—a vibrant atmosphere where people connect, create memories, and honour the city’s culture while embracing something new and bold.”

With this opening, SOCIAL not only pays homage to the past but also ushers in a fresh wave of creativity, culture, and contemporary lifestyles to Lucknow, making Hazratganj SOCIAL the latest must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.


McDonald’s India – North and East Turns Print Advertising into an AR-Powered Experience

McDonald’s India – North and East Turns Print Advertising into an AR-Powered Experience

By Hari Haran

Published on December 30, 2025

McDonald’s India – North and East, operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. (CPRL), has taken a fresh approach to print advertising with its latest Signature Burger campaign, turning a traditional newspaper ad into an immersive, AR-led experience. Designed to be experienced, felt, and shared, the campaign brings the layers, textures, and indulgence of the Signature burgers to life, reflecting McDonald’s entry into India’s evolving flavour-flex era.

By scanning the print ad using a smartphone, consumers can watch the Signature burgers rise off the page in rich animated detail. The AR experience highlights the layers, textures, and mouthfeel of the burgers, making print advertising more than just visual. It creates a sensory moment that builds real hunger cravings, transforming a static format into something interactive and engaging.

This innovation repositions print as an active brand touchpoint rather than a passive medium. By combining technology with storytelling, McDonald’s has set a new benchmark for how legacy media can be refreshed and made relevant for modern audiences. The campaign underlines the brand’s focus on pushing creative boundaries while delivering immersive experiences at scale.

The New Signature Collection features two indulgent offerings. The Cheesy Mushroom burger, brings together a rich, cheesy mushroom patty with savoury Italian sauce, tangy gherkins, and crisp lettuce, all layered inside a protein bun for a balanced and satisfying bite. The Cheesy Chicken burger, features a flame-grilled chicken patty paired with a juicy egg patty, tangy habanero sauce, crisp gherkins, and crunchy lettuce, creating a multi-layered flavour experience.

Staying true to McDonald’s ‘Proudly Indian’ commitment, all key ingredients, including lettuce, mushrooms, chicken, and eggs, are sourced from trusted Indian suppliers. This approach supports local farmers and partners while ensuring freshness and flavours that align with Indian taste preferences.

By blending AR technology with indulgent food storytelling, the campaign reimagines how consumers engage with food launches, making the Signature Collection an experience that connects both visually and emotionally. With this initiative, McDonald’s continues to reinforce its focus on innovation, quality, and storytelling, delivering elevated, multi-sensorial brand experiences.

The New Signature Collection is now available across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India, with options for dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, and delivery through third-party aggregators.


Literary Charm Meets Wholesome Craft: All Things Breakfast Launches Jane Austen–Inspired ‘Darcy & Company’ Granola Collection

Literary Charm Meets Wholesome Craft: All Things Breakfast Launches Jane Austen–Inspired ‘Darcy & Company’ Granola Collection

By Author

Published on December 28, 2025

Pondicherry, India, 19 December 2025: All Things Breakfast Pvt. Ltd. (ATB), a new-age food enterprise committed to reconnecting food with happiness, has announced the launch of its flagship brand, Darcy & Company. Based in the culturally vibrant town of Pondicherry, the micro-bakery specialises in artisanal, small-batch breakfast essentials, beginning with a thoughtfully curated range of protein- and fibre-enriched granolas.

Marking the launch is The Jane Austen Anthology, a limited-edition granola collection celebrating the 250th birth anniversary of one of literature’s most beloved authors. Drawing inspiration from the elegance, romance, and contrasts of Austen’s novels, the collection seamlessly blends literary storytelling with mindful nutrition.

Darcy & Company is the passion project of Rashmi Naik, Founder of All Things Breakfast. After over two decades in the corporate world, Naik embarked on a mid-life journey—alongside a close circle of friends and “sisters”—to create a brand rooted in purpose, better nutrition, and joy.

“Somewhere along the way, we started swinging between breakfasts that were super healthy but tasteless and those that were indulgent but carb-heavy,” says Rashmi Naik. “Darcy & Company is about restoring balance. Food should bring joy, not anxiety. Our granolas are made with activated seeds, local grains, and single-origin Indian ingredients, ensuring they are clean, nourishing, and genuinely delicious.”

Named after a cherished literary character, the brand reflects timeless charm, thoughtful craftsmanship, and emotional connection—values that are brought to life through its inaugural collection.

The Jane Austen Anthology transforms iconic settings and moods from Austen’s novels into culinary expressions. Each blend is inspired by a literary pairing and a classic flavour profile, from buttery shortbread notes inspired by Pride and Prejudice to elegant chocolate-orange nuances reflecting Emma. The range celebrates contrasts between rustic simplicity and refined elegance, marrying globally inspired flavours with premium, locally sourced Indian ingredients.

At the heart of Darcy & Company lies a strong commitment to quality, trust, and sustainability. Granolas are prepared in small batches and slow-baked only upon receiving orders, ensuring exceptional freshness. Ingredients are ethically and locally sourced, including oats from Kerala, nuts and seeds from Auroville, and single-origin chocolate from Pondicherry and Wayanad. A key differentiator is the use of activated nuts and seeds, soaked in saline water to enhance nutritional value and digestibility.

Beyond the product, the brand is driven by a purpose-led philosophy, focused on building a values-driven organisation that prioritises conscious consumption, transparency, and a respectful workplace culture.

“Darcy & Company is more than a micro-bakery,” adds Naik. “It’s about making mornings soulful and effortless. We want breakfast to be the new dinner—the most anticipated and enjoyable meal of the day.”

Darcy & Company’s granola range, including The Jane Austen Anthology, is now available for nationwide orders.

About Darcy & Company
Darcy & Company is the debut brand from All Things Breakfast Pvt. Ltd. Based in Pondicherry, the micro-bakery crafts small-batch, artisanal breakfast essentials designed to reconnect food with happiness. Using activated nuts and seeds, locally sourced grains, and clean ingredients, the brand embodies a philosophy that is wholesome, thoughtful, and intentional.


Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Welcomes 2026 with Festive New Year’s Eve Feast and Indulgent Brunch at S Café

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Welcomes 2026 with Festive New Year’s Eve Feast and Indulgent Brunch at S Café

By Author

Published on December 28, 2025

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore is all set to usher in the New Year with a vibrant and flavour-filled celebration at S Café, offering guests a perfect blend of festive dining, music, and togetherness. Designed for families, friends, and loved ones, the New Year’s Eve celebration promises an energetic ambience with live music performances, engaging activities for children, and an elaborate culinary spread to end the year on a high note.

The New Year’s Eve buffet showcases an extensive selection of global flavours. Appetizers include Tandoori Broccoli with Smoked Paprika, Applewood Smoky Chilli Soya Chaap, and Avocado & Cheese Canapés. The indulgent main course offerings feature Paneer Makhani Royale, Soya Rogan Josh, and Wild Mushroom & Spinach Lasagne. Adding an interactive touch, live stations such as the Live Pasta Bar, Mongolian Station, and Taco & Nacho Station enhance the festive experience. A decadent dessert spread featuring Chocolate Truffle Gateaux, Saffron & Pistachio Phirni, Baked Rasmalai Cheesecake, and Red Velvet Pastry ensures a sweet conclusion to the evening.

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Continuing the celebrations into the New Year, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore invites guests to a relaxed and cheerful New Year’s Brunch at S Café on January 1, 2026. Curated by Karam Dogra and his culinary team, the brunch is designed to combine comfort with celebration, offering a warm and welcoming setting to enjoy the first moments of the year.

The brunch menu highlights winter-inspired dishes, beginning with starters such as mini bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, roasted vegetable skewers, and comforting winter soups. Main course selections include vegetable lasagna, stuffed bell peppers, mushroom risotto, paneer or tofu roast, and winter vegetable casseroles. Complemented by freshly baked breads and sides, the experience concludes with an indulgent dessert spread featuring fruit tarts, chocolate mousse, sticky toffee pudding, and mini cheesecakes. Guests can also enjoy a range of refreshing beverages including fresh juices, mocktails, smoothies, herbal teas, coffee, and hot chocolate, making it a memorable and leisurely start to 2026.

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