Gaurav Soneja has recently taken over as general manager at ITC Royal Bengal and it has been nothing short of homecoming for the youngest general manager at ITC Hotels in the city who was part of the pre-opening team as the cluster hotel manager of ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar in 2019. Last seen at ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru, Gaurav, an alumnus of IHM Bangalore, has a strong F&B background and aims to amp up further the offerings at the star hotel on E.M. Bypass. A firm believer in team spirit and work, The Telegraph chatted with the new general manager on his love for his family, golf and plans for the property.
Welcome back! What made you say yes to Kolkata again?
Kolkata is home. When I joined ITC Sonar in 2016 as the F&B manager, I did not realise that it is a city that grows on you, it is a bastion of bhadralok, always gracious. I have spent six years in this city as the F&B manager then as cluster hotel manager for ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar — in a way it’s homecoming for me, I am looking forward to my journey here. The wonderful memories are indelible. The people are extremely warm and welcoming and make you a part of their lives.
You must have made many memories in this hotel. Any standout memory?
The opening of ITC Royal Bengal. It has been a landmark moment for all of us. I can relate to every brick of this property. As an hotelier I feel proud to have been an integral part of the launch operations and design several aspects of its offering with the team. Rooted to the soil, ITC Royal Bengal celebrates Bengal with the warmth of Indian hospitality and the ethos of Responsible Luxury at its core.
You have been a part of the pre-opening team of ITC Royal Bengal, how did you perceive the hotel when you came back?
ITC Royal Bengal has reset industry benchmarks across the region. It offers unmatched accommodation, is a market leader in MICE & Weddings with unparalleled venues across Eastern India and is a favorite F&B destination in the city — all with the promise of our stringent DNV Platinum Certified WeAssure protocols.
ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru, Welcomhotel Sheraton New Delhi… and many more… out of all the hotels you have worked with, which one is your fave/closest to your heart?
I have grown as a professional in the city. ITC Royal Bengal is very close to my heart, pre-opening phase, and then the launch of this property, which later became a talking point in the country. However, it is difficult to choose one as most fave, each hotel is unique and I have special memories.
You have a strong F&B background, what are the initial plans your have regarding the same for the property?
Food and beverage is the soul of ITC Royal Bengal through its outlets — Grand Market Pavilion, Ottimo, Royal Vega, Darjeeling Lounge and The Brass Room. My experience in F&B will support me to continue market supremacy and create new benchmarks. We have lots to look forward to this calendar year, we will have ITC Hotels’ signature brand Avartana, rooftop bar Sky Point as well as our exclusive members-only Club Prive opening doors.
It’s been quite a journey for Itc Royal Bengal since its launch in 2019. With the ongoing pandemic, what is the way forward for you to keep up?
With the changing environment, guests have taken a strong liking for our home delivery menus — Gourmet Couch and Flavours — serving the best from ITC Hotel kitchens. Crafted with care and handled with utmost hygiene to ensure well-being, the mindfully curated menus ensure unique food experiences with local love using fresh seasonal and local ingredients.
Is there anything you would want to do differently or introduce?
F&B is thriving and is extremely dynamic in the city. There have been advent of so many new brands. People of Kolkata are adventurous when it comes to exploring new cuisines and they don’t mind spending for the experiences. My endeavour would be to increase market share in keeping with the new inspirational up-market trends while ensuring that the ITC flag fly high in its own city.
What about the rooftop bar, when do we see it opening for public?
Sky Point will open and maintain regular timings in this calendar year. The elegant rooftop bar at ITC Royal Bengal offers an immersive experience through panoramic views, delightful decor and one-of-a-kind beverage and gourmet offerings. At present we are offering it for the all-inclusive ‘Gourmet Bubble’ for groups above 20 guests. This includes a private venue, a bespoke signature menu and an exclusive service team for guests, all backed by heightened safety and hygiene measures of WeAssure program.
Rapid fire
Passionate about: Golfing! Every Sunday morning 6am I am at Tolly Club. It’s like a ritual and only day when I get up at 4.30am.
Jon Rahm
Fave golfer: Jon Rahm but I love Atul Bhalla too! (Laughs)
Joined by: My wife Divya, daughter Kyrah and my pets Tipsy and Whisky.
Fave meal at ITC Royal Bengal: Ottimo. I love the seafood bisque.
Fave street food in the country: Kusum’s Kathi Rolls.
Food trend you are loving: In the beverage industry everyone is talking about tequila, so much so that it’s not available in the market!