The legendary Bakery from the house of The Lalit Great Eastern Hotel introduced the concept of bread making in Asia during the Raj era and today serves as a distinct luxury landmark with an opulent Colonial legacy. Desserts and bakery goodies are the buzzwords at the outlet.
For premium travellers and heritage buffs intending to get a glimpse of the Colonial-era bakery that brings an air of heritage and the finest fare in Kolkata, look no further beyond. The best option is to head to The Bakery of The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata lying at a strategic location on Old Court House Street in Dalhousie Square. The century-old Bakery incidentally is the first-of-its-kind not only in India but also in Asia that began its journey, way back in 1830.
It all began when a British baker called David Wilson opened the doors of a bakery that was a favourite hangout for the officers of The East India Company. Encouraged by the success of the bakery, he came up with a luxury hotel in 1840 that came to be known as Auckland Hotel. The luxury property famed as Wilson’s Hotel emerged as the most magnificent landmark during Colonial times. The hotel came to be known as Great Eastern Hotel in contemporary times and in 2005, it was acquired by The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group. The property was renovated and reopened as The Lalit Great Eastern in 2013.
Looking back, it has been quite a long journey for the Bakery that has evolved from the concept of bread making to fine dining keeping intact the tradition of hospitality. Sprawling over an area of 1,822 sq. ft, the Bakery is a 56-cover outlet that has an old-world feel with age-old iron beams that are older than the city’s Howrah Bridge. The presence of a 100-year-old grand oven from the house of Baker Perkins Limited of England makes the outlet stand off from other luxury bakeries in the city. The oven is no longer functional but has been kept intact. The Bakery has a riveting iron staircase dating back to the British era that connects it to the hotel.
During the pandemic times, the Bakery catered to home deliveries. According to Madhumita Mohanta, Head Chef, The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata, “The Bakery received more orders from our customers during the pandemic. The outlet has as many as 64 bakery stuff and food promotions are held twice a month. Mango Mania was held in the month of June while Macaroon Promotion was held in May, this year. Veggies can opt for eggless cakes, pastries, cookies, Belgium pastries, and The Great Eastern cake. Other favourite picks like focaccia bread, pineapple pastries, cheesecake, and choco fudge are in high demand. We have corporate groups preferring quick bites during their leisure period.”
The outlet is trying to make the most of the post-pandemic opportunities. Amrit Jena, Food and Beverage Manager, The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata stated, “There has been a surge in takeaway orders and corporate-goers are coming back into our outlet. There are puffs, muffins, doughnuts, oregano cheese, masala cheese bread, and sourdough bread that move fast on the table. The menu keeps on changing every month. We are anticipating to come up with Heritage breakfast from August, this year that will come for Rs 1,000 per person.” The Heritage breakfast will be on offer at weekends.
For those who prefer to sip a cup of Cappuccino, spend quality time in a tranquil, Colonial-era ambiance, savour delectable bakery stuff, and explore their taste buds, this is the place to be. If chocolates melt your heart, then head to the outlet that will gear up to host International Chocolate Day on July 7. There will be chocolate goodies starting from chocolate pastries to chocolate Eclairs and tarts.
by Swaati Chaudhury
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