Now Cawnpore goes clubbing

It’s called Cawnpore 1987, but that’s about the only thing dated about Kanpur’s newest fine-dining restaurant. They even offer a private dining experience, which includes a separate seating area for 15-20 people and butler on call. It costs a whopping Rs 25,000 to book a table (that’s the minimal order), but owner Shagun Malhotra advises customers to call before coming.“Or you’ll find yourself on the waitlist,” she says, revealing this niche service is fully booked on weekends.
Once known for its leather industries, today it is Kanpur’s party animals that are defining the local landscape. From birthday parties to weekend get-togethers, the city’s uber rich crowd is heading out — instead of staying in — for a night on the town. Targeting this clientele that loves all things lavish, newer restaurants and nightclubs are offering nouvelle cuisine, signature chefs, hookahs and other high-end exclusive services.
This trend is being fuelled by home-grown millionaires, whose numbers are growing steadily in this Uttar Pradesh industrial town. Their children travel abroad to study but back in Kanpur, are unable to find trendy places to unwind. “Kanpur seemed too slow,” says Ashmit Sehgal, heir to a city-based leather company who moved back to Kanpur after completing international business in Manchester. “I was looking for a cool joint to hang out with my friends who were visiting from the UK, but couldn’t find one.” People had money, but lacked the means to spend. “When I was in college, there was no concept of a nightclub or lounge to party late night,” says Anushree Rastogi Dalmia, an entrepreneur.
But Dalmia says things have changed in the last five years. That was around the time Shagun Malhotra, an interior designer living in London, returned to Kanpur to find the city lacking quality dining experiences. Longing for a good Italian mean, she launched Dhuaan, one of the city’s earliest stylish spots in Cantonment in 2011. “I wanted to set up a place where the food was authentic, even if it meant paying twice as much to hire the best chef and have him flown in from Delhi,” says Malhotra, who convinced Mohit Kumar, a Delhi chef who had worked at Olive Bar & Kitchen and Diva, to move to Kanpur. Today Kumar’s signature Chicken Espetada, a Portuguese-inspired dish served with Moet & Chandon, has a loyal local following. “People are very polite and I love interacting with my diners to know their taste in food,” says Kumar, who is having a ‘capital’ time in Kanpur.

Club Felix, a members-only establishment, has a Rs 2.5 lakh annual fee
The hookahs at lounges like Dhuaan or Terrazza 9 — Bar & Grill at Rave 3 Mall are popular draws. Private parties are also a big attraction, which is why The Landmark Towers Hotel will soon offer exclusive suites with a bar. But if you’re looking for more exclusive action, there’s Club Felix, a members-only establishment in Tilak Nagar reputed for its blowout bashes. The Rs 2.5 lakh fee gives members smart card access to performances by Russian pole dancers, live bands and fashion shows along with the best of food and beverages. “Our USP is that we keep renovating the place every four years. We also regularly invite DJs and bands to play for us,” says Shailesh Gupta of Club Felix, revealing that DJ Aqeel and Sufi rock band Nasha have played at the venue recently.
Harsh Bhutani, resident DJ and manager, says Kanpurites are willing to spend on top-notch services. “Our patrons tell us the club is at par with the ones they have visited in Europe,” Bhutani claims, revealing they have stand-up comedy, jam sessions, international DJs and a ladies special nights (minus boys) on the cards.