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College Street Coffee House
Q: What Is the opening and closing time of College Street Coffee House?
A: Victoria Memorial is open from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM except on national holidays.
Q: Is College Street Coffee House worth visiting?
A: Yes, the Indian Coffee House at College Street is definitely worth visiting. It offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nostalgia, with its colonial-era architecture and legacy as a hub for intellectuals. The café's lively atmosphere, affordable menu, and historical significance make it an iconic Kolkata landmark.
College Street Coffee House Kolkata Significance History Architecture Timing Entry Fees Activities
College Street Coffee House Kolkata Significance History Architecture Weekly Closing Timing Entry Fees Activities
College Street Coffee House Kolkata Significance History Architecture Timing Weekly Closing Entry Fees Activities
Architecture and Design Of College Street Coffee House History
The Indian Coffee House at College Street, Kolkata, is housed in a historic colonial-era building that exudes old-world charm. Originally established as Albert Hall in 1876, the structure reflects a blend of British architectural influences with functional design elements suited for public gatherings. The high ceilings, spacious hall, and vintage wooden furniture create an open and airy ambiance, ideal for intellectual discussions and debates.The layout features a mezzanine floor encircling the main hall, providing an amphitheater-like setting where students, writers, and thinkers have gathered for decades. The minimalist yet classic interiors, with long wooden tables and simple chairs, foster a sense of community and intellectual exchange. Despite modernization, the Coffee House has retained its historic charm, with its walls witnessing countless debates, literary discussions, and revolutionary ideas. Today, it stands as an enduring symbol of Kolkata’s intellectual and cultural heritage, preserving the essence of the city’s literary and artistic movements.
Significance and Legacy
The Indian Coffee House at College Street is an enduring symbol of Kolkata’s intellectual and cultural heritage. Since its inception in 1942, it has been more than just a café—it has served as a vibrant hub for thinkers, revolutionaries, writers, and students. The café became synonymous with the Bengali tradition of "adda," where debates on politics, literature, and philosophy shaped modern discourse.Eminent personalities like Satyajit Ray, Amartya Sen, Sunil Gangopadhyay, and many others frequented this space, contributing to its rich legacy. During India’s independence movement and later socio-political shifts, the Coffee House played a crucial role in fostering discussions and ideological exchanges.Despite modernization, it has retained its vintage charm, preserving the echoes of countless debates and literary discussions. Its affordable menu and welcoming ambiance continue to attract intellectuals and youth alike. Today, the Indian Coffee House remains an iconic institution, representing Kolkata’s love for literature, art, and free thought, keeping the city’s cultural spirit alive.
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Tourism Impact
The Indian Coffee House at College Street is a major cultural and historical attraction in Kolkata, drawing tourists, students, and intellectuals alike. Its rich legacy, associated with literary and political discussions, makes it a must-visit destination for those interested in Kolkata’s intellectual heritage. Tourists are captivated by its old-world charm, colonial-era architecture, and the nostalgic atmosphere of "adda" discussions.The café also boosts local tourism by complementing the nearby bookshops of College Street, one of the world’s largest book markets. With its affordable menu and iconic status, the Coffee House continues to attract visitors, preserving Kolkata’s vibrant cultural essence.
College Street Coffee House History and Background
Conception and Purpose
The Indian Coffee House at College Street, Kolkata, has a rich history dating back to 1876 when it was established as Albert Hall. In 1942, it was converted into a coffee house under the Coffee Board of India, designed as a hub for intellectuals, students, artists, and revolutionaries. It quickly became a center for cultural and political discussions, embodying the Bengali tradition of "adda," where people engaged in debates on literature, politics, and philosophy.The café gained prominence as a meeting place for influential figures like Satyajit Ray, Amartya Sen, and Sunil Gangopadhyay, who contributed to Kolkata's literary and artistic heritage. The Coffee House played a vital role in shaping socio-political discourse during India’s independence movement and beyond.With its colonial-era architecture, high ceilings, and vintage charm, the Coffee House has retained its old-world appeal. Its affordable menu, including signature “Infusion” coffee, mutton cutlets, and fish fry, continues to attract students and intellectuals, making it a timeless symbol of Kolkata’s cultural spirit.
Foundation and Construction
The Indian Coffee House at College Street, Kolkata, was originally established as Albert Hall in 1876 during the British colonial era. It was initially a meeting place for social and intellectual gatherings. In 1942, the Coffee Board of India took over and transformed it into a coffee house, aiming to provide an affordable space for intellectuals, students, and revolutionaries. The structure, with its colonial-style architecture, high ceilings, and spacious halls, was designed to foster open discussions. Over time, it became an iconic landmark, preserving its historic charm while continuing to serve as a hub for Kolkata’s literary and cultural circles.
Map Of College Street Coffee House In Kolkata
College Street Coffee House Timings
Open from Monday to SUnday:12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Closed on national holidays.
Kolkata Registered Office
54 Ho Chi Minh Sarani (56/2/D, Biren Roy Road, West), Behala Chowrasta, Kolkata 700008,
+91-9038055530
+91- 9830366923
email: tabkolkata@gmail.com
The Indian Coffee House, situated at 15 Bankim Chatterjee Street in Kolkata's College Street area, is a historic café renowned for its cultural significance. Originally established as Albert Hall in 1876, it transformed into the Indian Coffee House in 1942.Kolkata tourism.This establishment has long been a gathering place for intellectuals, artists, and students, fostering the Bengali tradition of "adda"—lively discussions on topics ranging from politics to poetry.Notable figures such as Satyajit Ray and Amartya Sen have frequented its halls. The café's ambiance, characterized by high ceilings and vintage décor, exudes old-world charm. Its affordable menu features items like "Infusion" coffee, chicken sandwiches, fish fry, mutton cutlets, and chicken pakoras. The Indian Coffee House continues to be a cherished landmark, embodying Kolkata's rich intellectual and cultural heritage.