KOLKATA: With the Men in Blue looking to avenge the ’23 World Cup final defeat and recent reverses in the Test series, the India-Australia Champions Trophy semi-final duel on Tuesday is set to be a prime-time blockbuster with the promise of a nail-biting finish.
Kolkata restaurants and bars are gearing up to dish out special platters and offers on drinks to add spice to the riveting contest that will be played until 10 pm. Footfall is expected to surge at restaurants with TV screens, despite Tuesday being a working day, said restaurant owners.
WhatsUp Café on Southern Avenue will deck up with the Tricolour and is ready with special offers on food and drinks. “We will have multiple TVs screening the match and expect a full house. Fans can order unlimited beer for Rs 999 and other alcoholic beverages for Rs 1,850 throughout the duration of the match. We had similar offers during the Indo-Pak game last Sunday and were swarmed by fans.
While that match was also beamed on a giant screen, we won’t have that for the semi-final. But if India reaches the final, the screen will be back,” said owner Anirban Sengupta, also the Kolkata chapter secretary of the National Restaurants’ Association of India (NRAI).
MS Bar & Lounge and Songhai in central Kolkata will serve ‘Kohli kebabs’ and ‘Rohit garlic prawn‘ to mark the occasion. A small free drink will also be offered for every boundary struck by Indians and a large one for every six.
Every Australian wicket will also fetch patrons a free drink, said owner Sudesh Poddar. “We had this offer during the Pakistan match as well and fans stayed back until the last ball, soaking in every moment and enjoying the food and drinks. It could be a closer and more exciting game against Australia and we expect a bigger crowd. We already have several tables booked,” said owner Sudesh Poddar.
Chapter 2 on Keyatala Road will have Tricolours on its walls. “It will be a packed evening and if India has the upper hand in the match, which seems likely, the footfall will remain high until the end,” said co-founder and owner Shiladitya Chaudhury.
He added that the Champions Trophy led to a footfall swell. “Many are coming on match days, taking a break which is surprising since exams are on. Our home delivery orders, particularly at Oudh 1590 outlets, have soared,” Chaudhury said.
Oasis on Park Street, too, has offers on drinks for fans. “We have at least six tables booked already. Since we have TVs on both floors, it is set to be packed. More bookings are set to come in by Tuesday,” said owner Pratap Daryanani.
