Mumbai News: BMC Plans Rooftop Café At Malabar Hill Viewing Deck Offering Marine Drive Views

Mumbai: Mumbaikars are soon likely to have a rooftop cafeteria in south Mumbai, offering a panoramic view of the Queen’s Necklace. The BMC has floated a tender for running the cafeteria on the first floor of the two-storeyed Pramod Navalkar Viewing Gallery at Malabar Hill. The place will be given on lease for 10 years at an estimated rent of 11.72 crores.

The BMC has also approached the contractor who runs the cafeteria at Byculla zoo. “Cooking is not permitted at the viewing gallery. It will be more of a ready-to-eat food item, which can be reheated using a microwave, and drinks like tea and coffee. The contractor needs to have at least 5 years of experience running a minimum of Grade-I eating house in Mumbai or running a food court/Quick Service Restaurants. The BMC is accepting the tender until July 14,” said an officer from the hydraulic engineering (HE) department.

The Malabar Hill viewing gallery, located near Kamala Nehru Park, gives a picturesque view of Girgaon Chowpatty, Marine Drive and Nariman Point. The entry is free and is one of the loved spots for tourists during the monsoon.

The 5,000 sq ft gallery was built at Rs 10 crore and opened for visitors in 2018. The place earlier had Café Naaz, which operated until 1998. After the lease ended, the BMC took back the place and built an art gallery and viewing deck. The contractor who will run the cafe will also have to run the art gallery on the lower ground floor.

“The idea was proposed by the municipal commissioner of setting up a rooftop café at the Malabar Hill viewing gallery. The place had a café many years ago too. The place will be given on lease. It will not only be a source of revenue for the BMC but give tourists added facilities and enjoy their visit.”