The tender Bekti Sicilian, the succulent prawn kebabs and fish tikkas, or for that matter, the out-of-the-world Monte Carlos (a cake-pudding-ice cream-fruit combo) ? fine food has been a forte at The Conclave (picture by Sanjoy Chattopadhyaya). And the city?s ?first business club? is keen to stick to its core competence, even as it embarks on a structured exercise to extend brand visibility and open up new flanks outside the confines of its AJC Bose Road address.

?It was my first out-of-the-box venture in Calcutta back in 1986, when there was nothing much in town outside the star hotels and the traditional clubs. The city?s business people wanted to have a venue where they could meet for working lunches and conferencing and also a place to unwind after work. The Conclave sought to answer those needs,? says Harsh Neotia, who had conceptualised the rendezvous.

Even after competition arrived in the form of more star hotels and new-age eateries, the chic, unhurried elegance of The Conclave has managed to hold its charm, primarily by dint of its fabulous food and distinctive ?British pub ambience? where business and pleasure blend gracefully. Food festivals with flavours from France, Italy, the Far East, Mexico, the Middle-East ? the versatile kitchen has tried its hand at almost everything.

?Now, we are looking at leveraging our strength to make The Conclave brand grow, essentially through a three-pronged initiative,? says Vineet Verma, director. Opening new food and beverage outlets (through its subsidiary brand Dakshini to start with), outdoor catering and providing expertise in club management are the avenues being explored.

Dakshini, which is well-ensconced in Swabhumi and has made its debut in Nicco Park (as The Caf?), is opening up at the City Centre food court as well.

?We plan to develop the brand as a distinctive South Indian eating house and set up more outlets in the city,? adds Verma. Outdoor catering, which is now limited to Turf Club lunches and banqueting at Swabhumi, is set to spread its wings too. Another sub-brand, The T Junction, is already a popular haunt at City Centre.

Besides offering its F&B and management expertise to clubs housed within the premises of the Ambuja group properties, The Conclave is also scanning the scene for turnkey operations in club management to ?convert under-achieving institutions into viable properties?. Even on campus, the one-of-its-kind business club in town is keen to upgrade and reinvent.

A discreet Continental dinner at The Stallion, a sumptuous Indian meal at The Village, a cocktail twist at The Jazz Bar or compact meetings at The Suites, the members have a spectrum of activities to choose from. And to jazz up things a touch more, the management hopes to add another cosy banqueting facility to The Other Room soon. Members? outings and outdoor parties are also on the cards.