At unsobered, we always strive to highlight old and new establishments that we think have something unique to offer. However, on our recent trip to Kolkata, we were quite taken aback by this one particular bar that is very popular and even legendary. However, the one, perhaps unfortunate aspect of this legendary institution is that women aren’t allowed inside. We’re, of course, talking about Shaw Bar in Kolkata, which locals have dubbed Chhota Bristol. What is the story behind this particular legendary bar, and how, despite ostensible sexism, has the bar managed to stand the test of time? In this unsobered guide, we find out the answers to these burning questions.
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The backstory of Shaw Bar is actually very interesting. It first opened its doors in 1872. This means that as of now, the bar has remained open for more than a staggering 150 years! Locals have given it the name “Chhota Bristol”. You might be wondering why. Well, during that time, there was a hotel named Bristol in the area that shut down a long time ago. Given that this bar was smaller in size, it inevitably got the name ‘Chhota Bristol.’
As mentioned in the introduction, the bar has a strict no-women policy. This has been the case since its inception. Women have never been allowed in the bar. What makes this policy ironic is that Shaw Bar was founded as an act of protest against British segregation. It was a space where Indians could come, chit-chat, and have drinks and snacks without having to face discrimination.
Despite this policy, we went to see what made this bar so popular. As it turns out, the ambiance is quite unique. There are electronic ticker signs that tell you the rate of drinks. There are waiters clad in classic safari suits. You don’t get a private table. Instead, you are supposed to share a table with strangers, which inevitably breeds conversation and familiarity.
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While there might not be much in the way of food, their ordering format is still of note. You’ll find standard Bengali bar snacks like fried fish, chaat, namkeen, chicken, etc. They even have fruits. All around the bar, you’ll see waiters roaming around carrying these items. You have to hail them, take the number of plates you want, and pay them then and there. Interesting, no?
As a bar, it is quite quaint and offers an ambiance that seems like a relic of a bygone era. The pleasing ambiance, friendly patrons, and safari suit-clad wait staff can really make it endearing for those who are able to look past the no-women-allowed rule. So, strictly as a bar, it is definitely worth checking out, but it is also understandable if this is not some people’s cup of tea.
There are many defenders who claim that this is merely their tradition and they have a right to preserve it. To that we say, alright. Not great, but you are missing out on a huge chunk of clientele. But that might not be a concern for them given the fact that they’ve been open for more than 150 years.
Address: 1A, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Esplanade, Dharmatala, Taltala
Timings: 11 AM to 9:30 PM
Cost For Two: INR 950 approx.
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There are a number of people who would eagerly defend Shaw Bar for merely exercising their choice to restrict entry into a space as per the owner’s wishes. Many would even find the allusion to sexism in this article distasteful. On the other hand, there might be some who would say that tiptoeing around Shaw Bar’s discriminatory policy is indicative of a lack of moral courage. No matter where you stand on the issue, you cannot deny that this is an interesting conversation starter. There is a lot of room for debate and thoughtful discussion. Regulars of this bar swear by it, while others might find its policy distasteful. Be that as it may, it has still managed to stand the test of time.
