Kolkata: Firhad Hakim, state Urban Development and Municipal Affairs minister, inaugurated the country's first hanging restaurant in New Town on Saturday.



The restaurant is a part of the Biswa Bangla Gate which was opened by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee from the dais of the 43rd Kolkata International Book Fair on January 31. There are rooftop restaurants in several metropolitan cities but this hanging restaurant is a one-of-its-kind in India. Though there are 72 seats, the restaurant will be opened with 50 only. Fine dine restaurant will be kept open from 7 pm to 10 pm after entry to the Biswa Bangla Gate is closed for the public. The viewing gallery will remain open from 12 noon to 5 pm and visitors will have to buy entry tickets online. They will be allowed to stay there for an hour.

The waiters will come to the tables and take the order on Ipads. A copy of the order will go to the kitchen which is housed on the ground floor while the other will go to for billing. There is a service lift to carry the food to the restaurant. Special lightings have been made to give a different feel. Battery-powered candles are there to give a candlelight dinner ambience. Wi-fi connection is free. A garden will be set up to increase the green cover in areas surrounding the Biswa Bangla Gate.

Bob Wickesskey, a US delegate who had come to attend the two-day Bengal Global Business Summit) visited the Gate and said it was fascinating to see one enjoying coffee and the scenic beauty while cars passed-by below. The restaurant is situated above one of the busiest intersections in the city.

The visitors' gallery is around 25 metres above the ground. Visitors can use the lifts on one side of the gate to reach the gallery and the cafeteria. The visitors' gallery along with the cafeteria is surrounded by glass, which will be part of the wall. The construction of the Gate has involved around 70 tonne of steel. The idea of the gallery has been conceived from the Eiffel Tower in Paris, while the cafeteria has been inspired by the hanging cafeteria of Malaysia.