On my most recent trip back to Mumbai, India there is one place that I always go to no matter how hectic my schedule gets. It’s a historic cafe that brings back fond memories of my days as an aspiring journalist when I first visited Mumbai years ago for stories and Bollywood projects. It’s also the place that I have connected with the most incredible people from around the world who have become life long friends.
Leopold Cafe & Bar is one of the oldest and most iconic places in India for journalists, aspiring writers, celebrities, locals and tourists who come to eat and relax while taking a break from the chaotic, exciting and busy Mumbai lifestyle
Located in the South Colaba district, the cafe has been around since 1871 and is considered to be the oldest establishment in Mumbai. It has a international reputation of being the best place in Mumbai to get the most mouth watering breakfast, lunch, dinner and of course scrumptious desserts.
The cafe made international headlines back in 2008 when it was attacked by Islamic terrorists during the Mumbai city massacre. Customers were shot and there was immense damage to the cafe from the shooting and explosions. But the people of Mumbai are resilient and the cafe opened up a few days later and was operating back to normal. After the attack, it did not take long for customers to be feel safe again to visit the cafe.
Part of the charm of the cafe is that their hours are from Monday-Sunday 7:30am to 1am. The place is therefore usually filled with writers, app developers, authors and screenwriters taking advantage of the late hours.
Morning tea and buttered toast at the Leopold Cafe
When I visited the cafe the last time, I met up with some friends who live nearby who happen to make the cafe their Friday night spot to hang. We shared project ideas and drank tea and ate all night.
Because Leopold Cafe is centrally located and close to office complexes and shopping centers like the world famous clothing store, Khadi Bhandar Shop, the afternoon at the cafe is full of locals and is often hard to get a seat. People wait as long as they can then head back to work. Loyalty is strong with cafe’s customers.
My stylish Leopold Cafe cup is used daily for morning and afternoon tea
One of my closest friends recently returned from Mumbai and visited the Leopold Cafe & Bar for the first time. She said she could clearly see why the cafe has such appeal to the public and for tourists. Besides the drinks and food, she said the energetic atmosphere combined with the eclectic crowd, gives the place a welcoming spirit.
So here are some tips when you visit Leopold Cafe & Bar:
1. Make sure you have cash (Indian Rupees).
2. For lunch, try to arrive least 30 minutes earlier. It gets very crowded.
3. Check out the cafe merchandise. Very cool and very appealing.
4. Make sure you add your name to the email list for updates.
The journey continues…and Leopold Cafe & Bar is part of the trip!
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