A visit to Chandigarh, the mention of Piccadily Hotels and any one in Chandigarh knows where and what you are talking about – the boutique property now enters its 50th year of operations, and in true hospitality style, underwent a major revamp earlier in the year to match today’s swank and style.
Massive corridors, sofas with ornate stands and intricate carvings within those corridors, generous sixed rooms completely re-done and chic glass bathrooms – these are just the few elements that make Piccadily warm and inviting make them 50 years strong, rather than 50 years old. All the art seen in the lobby, corridors and rooms have been sources from artists part of various rehabilitation programs of Tihar.
The artistic corridors welcome you at the hotel.
Fifty rooms, two new banquet halls which are currently under high-end refurbishment, a Presidential Suite and a brand new restaurant – that’s what Picadilly has laid out in its 50th year of operations. They were the first upmarket boutique property in Chandigarh’s Sector 22B, the first place to get a bar license and in truly another first, they’ve got the city’s first microbrewey – Malt & Co – open its doors this festive season for guests with eventually, 5 in-house brews on offer ranging from Lager to Wheat, Green Beer to a Ginger speciality.
The calm and yet modern baroque interiors of Malt & Co. soothe the nerves and the happy sound of conversation is reassuring. One can watch the beer being made, and drink it too! The attraction, asides from having ‘crafted’ beer devoid of synthetic preservatives, is also the relaxed environs without too much loud music that doesn’t let you hold conversations. Piccadilly has always been the trusted place for kitty gossip or weekend ruminations.
The Calm yet Modern Interiors of The Malt & Co.
Coming to the food, the menu has something for every taste bud. Okra Chilli Fries give a new (and a better) birth to the bhindi while the Sour Dough Balls are saved the ignominy of being basic by the amazing dip that is a coarse mash of olives, pesto and sun dried tomatoes. Pale Ale Chicken Brochettes, on a skewer, marinated in ale promise to be crowd favourites in the land of chicken. For main course, do try the Rustic Flat Bread Pizza – All-in Meat Lovers Delight – melt-in-the-mouth meats and seafood on a fresh and thin base.
Must Try the Okra Chilli Fries
The exhaustive menu ranges from Drunken Shrimps to Veg Mezze, Appam and Stew to Caramelized French Fries and Mobster Platters – a whole range of pub grub and wholesome mains. Even though I drank like a fish and stuffed myself to the gills, the mere sound of Chocolate Rum Loaf with Beer Sauce made me go weak in the knees. The Chocolate Mousse could have been creamier but this decadent loaf and accompanying beer sauce had me tripping!
Do yourselves a favour and just spend an afternoon that begins mid-morning and could lead into a relaxed evening in good company. The beers will just flow naturally.
Do try the Crab Cakes that are served with a fresh salsa. They are fresh as the morning catch with just the right amount of seasoning to let the natural flavours whet your appetite.
Address: The Piccadilly Hotel, Himalaya Marg, Sector 22B, Chandigarh.
Reservations: 7087031111
Timings: 07:00AM – MIDNIGHT
Meal for two: Rs 600 – 1500
Summary:The menu has something or every taste bud and the beer is great! You can even watch your beer being made.
