Kolkata’s iconic patisserie Flurys brings its first tearoom to Mumbai

Kolkata’s iconic patisserie Flurys brings its first tearoom to Mumbai. It is located near the Gateway of India and serves its classic breakfast, pies, and more

When a restaurant has been going strong since 1927, you know it has got something special. With its history rooted firmly in confectionery and comfort, Kolkata’s Flurys has served about five generations it’s signature rum balls, chicken sandwiches and peach melba, along with cups of steamy tea.

So I was hardly surprised when the server tells me regretfully that the most sought-after milk bread, the iconic baked beans on toast, and the distinctively moist and boozy rum balls flew off the shelf by early afternoon. It is barely 6pm on the second day of Flurys Mumbai outlet that launched on July 27. The unmistakable bustle inside the small dining room said it all. As I am led to the only empty table on the sea-facing patio I am reminded of the allure of this heritage tearoom from Kolkata’s iconic Park Street.

A walk down memory lane

Flurys was founded on Park Street in the year 1927 by a Swiss couple ‘Mr and Mrs J Flury’. Within no time, it gained immense popularity to become the favourite tearoom of the prosperous English and the affluent Indian alike. In 1965, the couple sold the tea room to a young Jit Paul, who had by then started Park Hotel across the street. Since then, Flurys has been more than just a café; it is a sanctuary, a refuge from the city’s relentless pace. The menu offers solace in its unchanging familiarity with offerings such as the Flurys omelette, ham filled croissants, chicken mustard sandwich and Viennese coffee. Currently Flurys is run in three formats: kiosk, café and restaurant.

Breakfast with a side of sea

While the Flurys Tearoom in Mumbai lacks the maiden Kolkata outlet’s deliciously languid mood or the generous bay windows that made people watching a sport, it does boast a charming alfresco with unending sea views. Inside is a tightly proportioned space strewn with marble topped tables and cane chairs. Fuchsia lights dangling from the ceiling add a hint of fun to the otherwise beige walls and cream interiors. Jewel toned macaroons and cream pastries wink from the glass cabinet next to a small bar that will be unleashing espresso martinis and Irish coffees very soon. There is also an alley of two seaters ideal for couples or those looking to juggle their laptop with a latte.

When nostalgia meets novella