Kolkata's Hospitality Scene Abuzz Ahead of India-Pakistan T20 World Cup Clash
With the dust yet to settle on the match boycott and no-handshake controversies that preceded the T20 World Cup, India and Pakistan are set to lock horns in Colombo on Sunday. This highly anticipated encounter has sent waves of excitement through Kolkata, where bars, pubs, and restaurants are decking up for the big night with mouth-watering food, beverages, and large screens.
Footfalls Expected to Soar for Potentially Last Indo-Pak Contest
Footfalls are expected to explode across the city as this could be the last India-Pakistan cricket contest in a long time. Fans could not have asked for a more dramatic prelude as the Men in Blue gun for yet another victory over their arch-rivals. "This will be the mother of all battles," said cricket enthusiast Mahesh Punjabi, who plans to watch the game with friends.
Punjabi, a city entrepreneur, is part of a group called ‘The Twelfth Man', which travels the world to watch India-Pakistan matches. "We will be gathering at a friend's place. Even though we will not be there in the stands, the excitement is going to be the same," added Punjabi, reflecting the widespread anticipation.
Themed Menus and Special Offers Dominate Kolkata's Venues
‘Retro-dining' restaurant Chapter 2 is raising ‘a toast to the thrill of the game' with the launch of Let's Play!, featuring a cocktail and mocktail menu crafted to match every over, every cheer, and every nail-biting finish. The menu includes exclusive offers on select liquors and beer buckets, continuing until the final on March 8.
"Inspired by the language of cricket and the adrenaline of match nights, the offer brings together inventive mixes, crowd-pleasing classics, and non-alcoholic refreshers, making Chapter 2 the perfect destination to catch the action of the T20 World Cup live," said Shiladitya Chaudhury, co-founder of Chapter 2.
Cocktails at Chapter 2 have been christened Sixer, Square Cut, Hitwicket, and Googly. The venue is also offering free starters with beer and has a 2:1 offer on select brands of liquor during the match.
Exciting Promotions and Stadium-Like Atmosphere
At Songhai and MS Bar & Lounge in central Kolkata, every six hit by an Indian batter on Sunday will get patrons a free small peg. "We expect a full house until midnight. Apart from free drinks for 6s, we have a 2:1 offer on some brands of alcohol," said owner Sudesh Poddar.
Poddar added, "There will be Bumrah fried chicken, Abhishek Rogan Josh, and Pandya Chicken Tikka Masala. Since we have multiple screens, we expect a stadium-like atmosphere."
Other venues are joining the frenzy:
- At Café Mezzuna, every boundary struck by India will attract a surprise offer for visitors.
- Every six will get fans an extra drink at Hoppipola.
- There will be special offers at Mezzuna for every Pakistan wicket that falls.
"The match promises thrilling moments and we are ready to make it more thrilling for our guests. All our bars have big LED screens and the rest of our outlets have TV screens so everyone can catch every ball live," said Anjan Chatterjee, founder and chairman of Specialty Restaurants.
High Demand and Last-Minute Travel to Colombo
Oasis on Park Street already has several bookings for Sunday evening. "It should be a full house since we have screens and the match was preceded by a lot of controversy. To mark the occasion, we are offering special cocktails and platters," said owner Pratap Daryanani.
Daryanani noted that footfalls were high on Valentine's Day and are expected to rise further on Sunday evening. Meanwhile, many from Kolkata have flown to Colombo over the last two days to witness the match in person.
"The only requirement is an electronic travel authorisation, which can be processed in 24 hours. So, other than those who were holding on to the India-Pakistan match tickets, many more are now making a last-minute dash to Colombo," said Anil Punjabi, chairman (eastern region) of Travel Agents' Federation of India.
Punjabi highlighted that Sri Lanka is a popular travel destination with its casinos and water sports, and no visa is required for Indian travelers, making it an accessible option for cricket fans seeking to experience the high-stakes clash live.
