Bar Reviews > Kolkata > Broadway Hotel
Reviewed By Benshaver

27A , Ganesh Chandra Avenue, Kolkata.
Ph.22363930/31

Ambience: You walk in and get blown away by the height of the ceiling - around 20 ft. Ancient wooden (probably teak) furniture with formica topped tables with the entire length of one wall covered by an ancient mirror (probably Belgian glass). Huge windows looking onto the road, though covered by curtains during sunny afternoons. All one needs is a Gin and Tonic and you could be in the setting of the next Merchant of Ivory venture. Actually closer to Aparna Sen's '36 Chowringhee Lane' ambience.

Music: You must be joking.

Drinks reviewed: The wine list did not have any cocktails. Instead tried to get into the Raj mood by ordering a Gin & Tonic. Tonic not available. Settled for a Large Seagram's Gin with Sprite and some French fries (called finger chips on the menu). Excellent fries, was told they were imported from the US (do you see asshole written on my forehead ?, then why the f***k are you giving me this imported bullshit).

Quality of Service: Well, been there a couple of times and have realized that service during the afternoons is better because the bar is sparsely populated. In the evenings the place is chock-a-block full and the waiters are hard-pressed to pay you genuine attention, though the order gets to the table in reasonable time. On the whole, would give the service a rating of 5.5 to 6 (on a scale of 10). Free Snacks: Was given bowls of mixture (locally called channa chur), cucumber wedges with lemon & green chillies and juliennes of ginger.Was given a refill of channa chur without having to ask, but was told that the cucumber was limited to one serving and that I would have to order for salad if I wanted more.

Other comments: Decided to do some lunch - Channa Masala, Bhindi Bhaji, Dal Fry & Chappatis. What a surprise ! Just like home cooked food. And the chappatis - fluffy tiny little phulkas straight off the fire.

Value for money is my final assessment. Though I wouldn't bring a wife or a girlfriend along if I were you. Yea, the place is male-dominated and any one of the fairer sex would be stared into oblivion.