A coffee house with old-world charm and endless political discussions

In first glance it may not seem like a regular coffee house, but this six-decade-old building with its church-like facade has been attracting scores of people who sit for hours over endless sips of steaming tea or coffee and debate over politics.

At a time when election frenzy is gradually building up, the Indian Coffee House is brimming with people discussing the SP-BSP alliance and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's foray into active politics.

Located in the upscale Civil Lines, often referred to as the heart of the city, regular patrons describe it as a safe place where one can air their views freely.

The guests boast that their favourite haunt sets the tone for political discourse in the city, saying it is a place where even those with opposing views can speak freely.

Opened in 1957, the Indian Coffee House has an old-world charm to it, one that stands out in the times of air-conditioned, swish cafes. Old-timers say that even former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and V P Singh came to the iconic place for coffee in an era gone by.

This coffee house attracts people from all sections of society, from lawyers and journalists to businessmen.

Ashok Yadav, who retired from the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation, said, "Yahan logon mein matbhed ho sakta hai, manbhed nahi (There can be difference of opinion but not a difference in mind)."
P R Panda, the manager of the place, said, "There are impassioned discussions and arguments among people but we have never seen them getting violent. Though there were a few instances where they came close to picking up chairs while trying to make a point."