May 5th, 2010
Amongst all the bijou little shops in Hauz Khas village, there is one serious, quiet little shop on the corner, called Navratana. If it’s closed, a notice in the window informs you, dial the owner’s mobile. He is always there within half a minute. I went there once, to find the shop open, no-one there, bar 2 dogs peacefully sleeping. They let me step over them, and look through the piles of maps and prints, and they generally held the fort till someone came.
Nikhil Gupta, who runs the shop, knows his maps and old prints and has a [...]
Click to continue reading Navratana
May 1st, 2010
A friend of mine, Christine Rai, runs “Zaza,” a smart, tasteful shop in Zamrudpur, which has masses of Absolutely Must Have things on sale.
Stylish and with just that little different twist from much of what you see for sale in Delhi.
Last night, Christine launched a café there, which I am going back soon to check out. It’s called Café Zaffiro, and I am sure will be a success. That roof terrace will be a real winner in the winter.
April 21st, 2010
Everyone who visits Delhi goes to Khan Market at some point.
Touted as one of the world’s most expensive markets, because of the price of land in Delhi, Khan Market can come as something of a shock to first time visitors. “This is smart ?” you can almost hear them say to themselves, as they push through lunatic traffic, and avoid the stray dogs and beggars and touts.
But after a little longer in Delhi, and after seeing other far less salubrious markets, Khan Market does begin to grow on you. It is expensive, parking is difficult, but the [...]
Click to continue reading Slippery floors in Khan Market
April 20th, 2010
Books are one of my passions, and are one of India’s great bargains.
When you combine all that into a book-shop that is crammed with all the latest books and gives a great discount - what more could you ask for ?
Midland in Aurobindo Place has been a favourite haunt for years, and I don’t think I ever have gone there once in all these years and left empty-handed.
The charming Mr. Baig has a laconic style of greeting. He invariably remembers what I like, and so often, as soon as I walk in, he will call out [...]
Click to continue reading My #1 bookshop
