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.


Rumour Opens in Delhi, Bringing Speakeasy Vibes to Vasant Vihar

Rumour Opens in Delhi, Bringing Speakeasy Vibes to Vasant Vihar

By Hariharan U

Published on March 29, 2026

Delhi’s nightlife scene welcomes a new entrant with the opening of Rumour in Vasant Vihar, a speakeasy-style lounge designed to blend curated drinks with an intimate, high-energy atmosphere. Inspired by New York’s after-work wine and cocktail culture, the space aims to offer a relaxed yet vibrant social escape.

Conceptualised by founders Rhea Parekh Jain and Nishchay Jain, the bar is built around spontaneity and connection. The founders describe it as a place where guests can drop in without planning and still expect an engaging, memorable evening driven by good drinks and lively energy.

Designed by The Charcoal Project, led by Sussanne Khan, the space brings together quirky luxury and rustic loft aesthetics. A hidden entrance, layered textures, warm lighting, and compact seating for around 45 guests create a setting that feels both exclusive and social, with options ranging from intimate corners to group lounges and a balcony view.

Wine forms the core of the beverage program, supported by curated tastings and a cocktail menu where nearly half the offerings are wine-based. This is complemented by a selection of refined, shareable plates designed to enhance the overall experience.

Positioned for urban professionals and experience-driven diners, Rumour aims to deliver a balance of design, energy, and thoughtfully curated hospitality. Operating from Wednesday to Monday between 6 PM and 1 AM, the lounge caters to after-work gatherings, date nights, and late-evening social sessions.

With its focus on immersive atmosphere and guest-centric experiences, Rumour signals a growing demand for intimate, design-led nightlife formats in the capital.


Malai Marke New York Launches Summer Mocktail Collection

Malai Marke New York Launches Summer Mocktail Collection

By Hariharan U

Published on March 29, 2026

Malai Marke has unveiled a refreshing new lineup of signature mocktails, bringing a seasonal, flavour-forward twist to its modern Indian culinary experience. Known for its innovative approach to Indian cuisine, the restaurant continues to expand its beverage program with a thoughtfully curated, alcohol-free collection designed for summer.

Crafted by Himanshu Joshi, the new mocktail menu focuses on combining fruits, herbs, and citrus elements to create drinks that are both visually engaging and layered in flavour. The collection reflects a balance of traditional inspiration and contemporary creativity, appealing to a wide range of palates.

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The menu features a variety of refreshing options, each highlighting seasonal freshness. Standout offerings include Strawberry, Lemon, Orange Blossom, a citrus-forward blend with a subtle watermelon twist, and Watermelon Mint Cooler, which combines juicy watermelon with fresh mint and a hint of chilli for added depth. Cranberry, Lime Honey Suckle delivers a tart, sparkling profile, while Summer Blossom brings together citrus, berries, and pineapple for a tropical burst.

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For those seeking lighter, cooling options, Cucumber Mint Soda offers a crisp, clean finish, while the Summer Heat Drink blends strawberry, citrus, and soda into a refreshing cooler. The collection is rounded off with Blossom Tea, a black tea-based beverage enhanced with citrus notes for a refined finish.

Speaking about the launch, Joshi said, “This collection is inspired by the essence of summer—fresh, vibrant, and full of life. We wanted to create drinks that not only complement our cuisine but also stand out as memorable experiences on their own.”

With this new offering, Malai Marke continues to push boundaries by reimagining traditional flavours through a modern lens, reinforcing its focus on innovation, seasonality, and elevated guest experiences.


Helen’s Place Reimagines Global Comfort with Flavours of 2026

Helen’s Place Reimagines Global Comfort with Flavours of 2026

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 29, 2026

Helen’s Place, India’s first Indo-Portuguese restaurant known for blending flavour with storytelling, has introduced Flavours of 2026, a new menu inspired by kitchens across Europe, Asia, and India. Rooted in comfort and guided by creativity, the menu reinterprets familiar dishes through a contemporary lens, bringing together global influences with warmth, balance, and thoughtful innovation.

With Flavours of 2026, the restaurant explores how comfort food evolves as it travels, from Malabar to Madrid, and Osaka to Canton. Each dish is shaped by inspiration rather than imitation, where nostalgic flavours are layered with bold textures, high-impact ingredients, and inventive twists. The result is a menu that feels familiar at its core, yet refreshed with a new and expressive identity.

Designed by Abhrajyoti Nandy, the menu stays true to the brand’s philosophy of restraint and respect for ingredients. Flavours are carefully layered using elements like pickle glaze, mango chilli, chimichurri, truffle, and ghee roast to create depth without overwhelming the palate. Presented as a selection of small, shareable plates, the menu encourages a social dining experience that brings together cultures, flavours, and stories.

Highlights include the wok-tossed chicken with mustard pickle glaze, offering a bold and tangy profile, and the salmon ceviche with mango and chilli that adds brightness and freshness. Regional influences are reflected in the Malabar ghee roast prawns with paratha and the coastal cafreal prawns, both rich in flavour and character. The tenderloin with mushroom ragù cream and chimichurri balances indulgence with freshness, while the avocado corn crunch with green pea hummus introduces a lighter, textured contrast. The experience concludes on a comforting note with ricotta bites paired with walnut and honey.

With this new menu, Helen’s Place continues to create a space where global comfort food is not just served but thoughtfully reimagined, bringing together diverse culinary influences in a way that feels both personal and new.

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