Coffee House - Yesterday and Today

Coming from Kolkata (India), which is also called the cultural capital of India, I have been to the Indian Coffee House many times. I still remember that first time. It was from the college, during those confused college days. A few of us – some well-directed, some misguided, some smart, some foolish, some ambitious, some aimless – took their brains to brainstorm inside one of the most cherished places in the heart of Kolkata.

The experience was an outstanding one. From one end flew poems, someone caught and turned one of them into a film. One was shouting with a terribly choked voice, he was arguing with the others regarding who the best Indian cricketer is. A couple were just relaxing, probably they were meeting for the first time. The old lot were discussing politics. There was a round-table conference of teachers; one with a muffler, one without, one with a cigarette, one without. There was one with a side-bag, one without and then there was one with a sandal, one with a shoe. That was all about the famous Coffee House and its unique ambience. That was the year 2001.

                                                                     
Forward to 2015. A lazy Sunday afternoon, a cold, sleepy weather and a pure thirst for coffee drew me to the Gustav Adolfs Torg in Malmö (Sweden). There is a street besides the MacDonalds counter. I walked a few meters down that street and I found the Lilla Kafferosteriet. Built around 1600, the house came into prominence as a Coffee House after changing its ownership multiple times. The wooden structure – with a plaster below – symbolizes a rather interesting architectural pattern.

On one of the entrances can we find a short note stating that baby-carriages are not allowed. Babies are however very welcome! Opening the main doorway leads to the first floor, which is a set-up that is spread out and very modern. The house has old wooden floors and some old furniture representing an old era. The articles, props, cutlery, signboards, and the gizmos all stand out as genuine interfaces towards a modern coffee bar.

The second floor contains five rooms. The rooms have sofa, couches and chairs in large numbers. One can take a cup of coffee from the counter downstairs, can make a payment or two, and can carry the stuff to the upper floor. It is important to note that there are no further upper floors. Though the building has an attic that can easily be seen from outside, it is not allowed to be used.

The five rooms are equally decorated, with an air of luxury all over them. The families, couples, pensioners, and teenagers can all find a corner as per their taste. Quite amazing! The walls are neatly covered with paintings and beautiful crafts.

Do not get carried away by the beautiful view of the road below or get too engaged in a discussion with your partner, for, there is a bit of a warning for those late sitters!

After I had settled down, I looked around. What did I hear? A group of youngsters were discussing about computer analytics, a couple were talking about their upcoming vacation and a young family was working hard to keep their two active kids busy. Another family was also there, but their kids were not to be seen in the vicinity. Perhaps, they were at home with their grandparents. A grandfather and a grandmother with their very cute granddaughter were talking about their beautiful summer house. Similar scenes, different venues. From Kolkata to Malmö not much had changed. Perhaps emotions and sentiments know no boundaries and are universal.

                         
While I was on my way home, a thing struck me hard. A very jaded stairway greets every visitor at the famous Claus Mortensens House which is now our very own Lilla Kafferosteriet. Question is - why is this not renovated? Possibly, this is intentional - as intentional as the timeworn steps of the Kolkata Coffee House.