The newest boutique-cum-cafe on Lake Road, Alora by Anindita, is a celebration of local art, cuisine and culture. Curated by Anindita Chatterjee, the owner, the idea is to bring together Calcutta’s culture, highlighted through handcrafted items by local artisans, and the food of the city under the same roof. The interiors done up in soothing shades of white contrasted with red cement flooring, the smell of incense enveloping the ambience inside and warm lighting illuminating the exquisite display, allow one to experience Anindita’s sense of style and aesthetic from the moment one steps in. From saris, kurtis and dresses to jewellery, home decor and everyday essentials, the quaint store standing on the busy lane of Lake Road houses it all.
“Women are always responsible for managing the household and parenting but even then women persevere and follow their passion. I was really inspired by the lives of such women and decided once and for all to start my own venture. I wanted a place that would be quiet and full of charm. The decor aligns with the name of the store Alora, which means the light of the sun, I also wanted the decorations to be available to the customers for purchasing, so almost all of the decor of the store is for sale,” explained Anindita about her first entrepreneurial venture.
We loved this vibrant corner in the store displaying clay plates, clay bottles and ceramic pieces sourced from local artists. The cups, plates, wall decorations and stationery feature beautiful artwork describing the culture of Calcutta. Apart from this there is a range of cutlery and candle holders which attract the eye with their pastel colours and polished finish.
The cafe adjacent to the store is decorated with an earthy touch with its hand-painted walls, low lighting and bamboo furniture. The vibe is cozy and tranquil, perfect for adda over coffee or tea and snacks. We loved the corner of the room furnished with a floor sitting on comfy divans and a bookcase.
The menu is pocket-friendly and features popular Bengali snacks from Ghoogni to Dimer Devil. Comfort snacks like French fries and Maggi also feature on the menu. But the real showstopper is their extensive choice of tea, including freshly steeped and piping hot ones as well as refreshing iced teas.