Restaurants Become Unexpected Attractions Following INDIA Bloc Meetings
Two restaurants in central Delhi have become unexpected attractions after hosting consecutive meetings of INDIA bloc leaders last week, with curious onlookers stopping to photograph the establishments and both venues reporting renewed public attention.
On October 7 and 8, opposition leaders from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance gathered for lunch at Sagar Ratna in Janpath and Moets Restaurant in Connaught Place's K Block. The meetings drew attention beyond political circles, transforming the eateries into temporary points of public curiosity.
The gatherings occurred during a broader campaign by the opposition alliance, which was formed in July 2023 and comprises 26 parties including Congress, DMK, Samajwadi Party, and Trinamool Congress. The restaurant meetings coincided with district-level activities and rallies held across the country from October 2-8.
Last-Minute Arrangements at Moets
At Moets, a restaurant established in 1965 known for its Mughlai cuisine and tandoori preparations, management had to make last-minute arrangements for the political delegation. Harish Chandra, General Manager at Moets, explained that the restaurant received notification late on the night of October 7 about the expected arrival of 75-100 guests the following day.
The establishment, which typically seats around 80 patrons, initially considered accommodating visitors in shifts. However, once it became clear that INDIA bloc leaders would be attending, the decision was made to reserve the entire premises. The restaurant remained closed to regular customers from 12 pm to 3:30 pm to accommodate the gathering.
Reports indicate that Moets received an emergency booking call at approximately 9:30 am on October 8, and by lunchtime nearly 100 politicians had filled both floors of the restaurant, with police personnel deployed in the surrounding area.
Sagar Ratna Hosts Opposition Leaders
The day before, opposition leaders had visited Sagar Ratna at Janpath, located directly opposite gate number 2 of Janpath metro station. Founded by Jayaram Banan in 1986, Sagar Ratna has grown from its original Defence Colony location to more than 90 restaurants across the National Capital Region and North India, specializing in South Indian vegetarian cuisine. Restaurant management declined to provide detailed comments, noting that visits by dignitaries occur regularly at their establishment.
Historic Locations
Both venues are situated in historically significant locations. Connaught Place, where Moets operates, was constructed between 1929 and 1933 in Georgian Neo-Classical style, inspired by the Royal Crescent in Bath, England. Named after Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, the third son of Queen Victoria, the area was designed as a premier commercial and entertainment district for New Delhi.
Today, Connaught Place functions as a protected heritage zone and serves as a major commercial, financial, and cultural hub in central Delhi. The area is home to several historic restaurants, including United Coffee House, which has operated since 1942, and Wenger's bakery, established in 1926.
The attention on these two restaurants reflects the intersection of Delhi's culinary heritage with contemporary political activity, as establishments with decades of history find themselves at the center of current events.
