“Dear customers, we will be shifting to Whites Road shortly.”
The signs of Amethyst café in Gopalapuram shifting spaces do not restrict itself to this notice board message alone. Where you ogled at beautiful jewellery, are attendants bustling about, trying to pack all the precious ones carefully inside cardboard boxes. Where you checked the fabrics of absolutely stunning clothes, are naked cloth hangers devoid of clothes. Where you squealed in delight at a dazzling collection of leather goodies are iron crates that have been shabbily named ‘Shoes and Bags.’
Amethyst is recognised as one of Chennai’s most stylish and popular hotspots to chill out. Tucked inside a 100-year old Bungalow, it is now all set to shift location following a family dispute that involves the property shifting hands.
Obstinately old, Amethyst is a picture of turn-of-the-century furniture, pretty lamps and days-of-yore photographs. The café spills out from the building onto a lovely oasis of peace and beauty, a garden chequered with flowers and myriad plants that you can’t name. Tables and chairs are placed throughout the garden and beg you to experience a connect with nature that they offer. And this is clearly the USP of Amethyst. Rohan, a student and a regular at Amethyst says, “The best part is that you can sit outdoor, close to nature. Enjoy the beauty of nature and all the lush greenery. I hope they manage to recreate at least this part.”
Amethyst is recognised as one of Chennai’s most stylish and popular hotspots to chill out. Tucked inside a 100-year old Bungalow, it is now all set to shift location following a family dispute that involves the property shifting hands.
Obstinately old, Amethyst is a picture of turn-of-the-century furniture, pretty lamps and days-of-yore photographs. The café spills out from the building onto a lovely oasis of peace and beauty, a garden chequered with flowers and myriad plants that you can’t name. Tables and chairs are placed throughout the garden and beg you to experience a connect with nature that they offer. And this is clearly the USP of Amethyst. Rohan, a student and a regular at Amethyst says, “The best part is that you can sit outdoor, close to nature. Enjoy the beauty of nature and all the lush greenery. I hope they manage to recreate at least this part.”
The boutique at Amethyst houses jewels mostly from Amrapali brand, and also has a wide collection of clothes, scarves and trinkets. Amethyst is also home to a culture centre that hosts a variety of events like photography exhibitions, astronomy workshops and musical performances.
Amethyst moves only two streets away but not into a heritage building. But it hopes to retain its loyal customer base, as the ethos of the place will continue. Shanti, who works at the Amethyst boutique, says “This shift will affect us mainly because of the ambiance. This is a quite road that shuts out the noise of the city. Our customers are also happy with the comfortable facilities for parking.”
Amethyst has been celebrating everything that’s history for the past 12 years. And will continue to do so, assures Kiran Rao, the owner. “We are quite established and we will not lose our touch.” Will the jewel shine just as bright somewhere else? We have to wait and watch.
You can dig out more information about Kiran Rao and the making of Amethyst here. Also learn a bit more about Amethyst here.
Your post makes me miss the place more :(
ReplyDelete^ Agreed..great post! There's an old-world charm and romance to the place that makes it wonderful! I hope the new place is lovely :)
ReplyDeleteAlso..minor spelling typo: 'This is a quite road that shuts out the noise of the city'. It should be 'quiet'.