An Adda in full session at Coffee
House
Located on the first and second floor of an old building just off the crossroads of College Street and Mahatma Gandhi Road (formerly Harrison Road), the Coffee House or Albert Hall is a large spacious cafe frequented by students from nearby colleges and universities, shoppers from the Boi Para, office-goers, and the regulars. Even a few curious tourists find their way to the Coffee House no doubt attracted by its reputation.
This is perhaps the best place to observe Kolkata's tradition of adda (casual meeting of friends to discuss every possible issue at hand and while away the time). That Bengalis love chatting more than any other social activity is evident from the scene that greets you when you enter the Hall. Coffee House is often crowded with so many people that you have to practically talk at the top of your voice to make yourself heard by your neighbour.
History and legends are part of the Coffee House atmosphere, which has had numerous references in the literature of Bengal. At various times writers, poets, painters, filmmakers, revolutionaries and political leaders have no doubt spent hours discussing passionately about their ideas and planning their next move. A favourite meeting ground for all who gather at College Street, Coffee House remains the same even to this day. Even the waiters wear the old maroon uniform while serving you and the prices are remarkably cheap. It is said that they don't mind even if you sit all day with just a cup of infusion drinking in the atmosphere more than anything else.
Meeting Places and Old NeighbourhoodsCoffee House College Street Kumartuli
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