NDMC to set up open air restaurant on Palika Bazaars rooftop

New Delhi: Those frequenting Connaught place will soon be able to enjoy ‘pocket-friendly meals’ and ‘live band performances’ as the New Delhi Municipal Council is planning to set up an open air restaurant on Palika Bazaar’s rooftop. 

The civic body invited Request for Proposal (RFP) for selection of an agency to set up the restaurant. 

“A restaurant called ‘Rambles’ used to run at the same spot earlier, some 25 years back. It used to be one of the liveliest places in Delhi. Gazebo-style seating, open air and hot dogs at less than Rs 2…Imagine what Delhiites are missing!” NDMC Chairperson Jalaj Shrivastava said. 

“We will revive the same trend, the same style of seating and live band performances. The cost obviously cannot be as low as it used to be, but it will be pocket-friendly for sure,” he said. 

The proposed restaurant will come up on the rooftop of Palika Bazaar’s parking lot, which is right across the Khadi Gram Udyog outlet. 

“Though it will be an open air set-up, temporary structures will be erected in some parts to ensure that visitors can enjoy, in winter, summer as well as rainy season,” the chairperson said. 

While the civic body plans to use the Palika Bazaar rooftop as the sitting and dining area, the kitchen of the restaurant will be located in the basement. 

“The kitchen will be along the shops running in the basement. The idea is not to disturb the landscaping done above but to beautify it,” Shrivastava said. 

Asserting that the main focus will remain on quality of the food, he said, “Economic meals don’t mean that the quality has to be compromised. It will be a feast similar to that offered by five-star hotels and cleanliness and hygiene will be our top priority.” 

NDMC also has plans to set up a similar restaurant near Shivaji stadium, once the Palika Bazaar one becomes operational. 

Officials working on the project have been visiting few of the open air restaurants to zero down upon the design and ambiance of the proposed place. 

“We have visited Fio in Nehru place and Magique in Garden of Five Senses. We have also sought suggestions from similar restaurants operating outside Delhi,” a NDMC official said.