Last week, it was announced that the renowned Bengal Lounge at The Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria would close this spring. While the decision has brought plenty of controversy, especially amongst Victorian, there’s still many people who may not have had the pleasure of visiting the old school cocktail lounge.
With the Bengal Lounge closing after April, so there’s still time to try the famous Curry Buffet and classic cocktail menu. Stepping into the Bengal Lounge is like stepping back in time. Although it was created in the 1950s it takes it’s decorating style from a century earlier when Queen Victoria was bestowed the Empress of India title, said to be her favourite. While seemingly out of touch with modern thinking; the Colonial era decor is complete with animal skins, huge hearth & fireplace, oversized leather chairs and upholstered settees and classic punkah fans on the ceiling. Anywhere trying to decorate like this today would never pass the court of public opinion but the bygone age is alive and well in the Bengal Lounge, at least for a few more months
The real star of the Bengal Lounge is their Curry Buffet, a classic collection of curries, side dishes and desserts. Unlike the authentic Indian cuisine from the sub-continent, the Bengal Lounge buffet is like Indian food via Great Britain at the turn of the century. Comforting and satisfying, the Curry Buffet will be missed, unless it’s recreated somewhere else in The Empress renovations.
If Curry isn’t your thing, the Bengal Lounge’s food menu offers a great selection for breakfast, lunch and dinner. However, the cocktail menu is what really shines at the Bengal, deciding on the right libation from the extensive menu probably takes more time than the food menu. But there’s no need to just have one, try a Empress 1908 then sample some of the other favourites. Visit on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays for live entertainment throughout the evenings.
While the cocktails and food menu will outlast the Bengal Lounge, the atmosphere will disappear in a few months, so don’t miss out, get there soon!
The Bengal Lounge is located within The Fairmont Empress Hotel on Victoria’s Inner Harbour, 721 Government Street.