To mark Madras Week, Taj Connemara, South India’s oldest hotel, is offering a series of special dining and cocktail experiences from August 19–25, 2024. These events are part of the Connemara Chronicles and aim to honor Chennai’s rich history and cultural evolution from its days as Madras.

At The Verandah, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, guests can enjoy a special Anglo-Indian menu inspired by the colonial era. The menu includes classics such as Mulligatawny, Railway Lamb Curry, Anglo-Indian Chicken Vindaloo, and traditional desserts like Bread Pudding. The restaurant's ambiance, overlooking the swimming pool, adds to the nostalgic experience.

Meanwhile, the Lady Connemara Bar & Lounge is offering exclusive Madras Week cocktails. This bar, named after Lady Connemara, has a history tied to the hotel and the city. Lady Connemara stayed at the hotel for nearly a year after leaving her husband, Lord Connemara, the Governor of Madras, due to his personal scandals.

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The bar’s signature cocktails, such as the Lemon Basil Martini and Ginpolitan, are crafted to evoke the flavors and stories of the past. Signature drinks like Since 1891 and Madras No. 1 are also featured, each telling a story connected to the hotel’s and the city’s history. Since 1891, for example, symbolizes Lady Connemara’s final year in Madras, with ingredients chosen to reflect her journey.

Madras No. 1, on the other hand, pays tribute to Madras’ first bar, which introduced the concept of iced drinks in a city accustomed to hot beverages. This cocktail features a large, clear ice cube that slowly melts, revealing flavors of gin, martini rosso, basil, and cucumber.

During Madras Week, guests at Taj Connemara can immerse themselves in Chennai’s colonial past while enjoying these curated culinary and cocktail experiences.