WHAT: Lockup, a mock-prison restaurant

INSPIRATION: A Paris restaurant with a prison theme!

WHERE: Matwari Road in Hazaribagh

DEBUT: February 26, 2016

POCKET PINCH: Rs 300 per person

Ever fantasised what Sanjay Dutt ate in jail? Or ever wondered what it would be like to binge behind bars? Gulp... what if you get a chance to enjoy tasty food with your loved ones inside prison? 

For foodies looking for something genuinely dark and offbeat, here’s Lockup, a new Hazaribagh restaurant that’s become the buzz of the town, thanks to its prison theme. 

Visitors to Lockup can taste the life of a prisoner without giving up their freedom by getting ‘prison fare’ in metal cages served by waiters and F&B managers dressed up as  cops and convicts. 

Spread across 2,500sqft area, the barred cells have handcuffs, locks and chains. The walls have photographs of prisons. Dim lights add to the ambience.

“One of my friends came up with the idea of launching a restaurant designed on the theme of a prison. I found it quite appealing and discussed the idea with my dad (Rajkumar Grover) and brother (Roshan). I Googled and found out Paris has a prison themed restaurant named Lockup. Why not Hazaribagh?” said owner Rachit Grover.

ON THE MENU

A lavish spread of vegetarian fare.  A special prison set menu has been designed with equally entertaining names and is available within price range of Rs 50 to Rs 300. Entrées or Tihar starters include American Chop Suey, Veg Spring Roll, Cheese Fingers and Veg Crispy. Main course includes Lockup ki Biryani, Tandoor from the Dark Prison,  Jasper Central Jail Rice, Dal of Afokang Prison, Papad from Kala Pani, South Indian from Yerwada Jail, Bread Basket from Kamli Jail, Qaidiyon ki Pasand, momos and pasta from Hazaribagh Central jail.  Under Jasper Central Jail Rice, you get options such as Veg Fried Rice, Choco Rice and Jeera Rice. For those who love to gorge on South Indian dishes, try out onion, manchurian and masala dosas. Bread basket from Kalmi Jail has tandoori roti, butter tandoori roll and jail ki roti.

 

HOSTSPEAK

“We made it a point not to compromise on hygiene and quality of food. It costs us Rs 20 lakh to bring this concept into reality. I genuinely wish our customers love it,” 
Rajkumar Grover

 

GUESTSPEAK

“I came here with my family. Must admit I enjoyed the unique experience. I will visit again, for the feeling of being served in a cage”

Sumit Sahay, businessman

Text and pictures by Vishvendu Jaipuriar