HT Estates
Saturday April 14, 2001

Dragon Duct

A Chinese restaurant with pictures of dragons and Chinese fans pinned on the walls! Passe, isn't it. Want to see something different. Go to Gola Northend in Gujranwala Town which has a huge dragon in its Chinese section, stuck onto its ceiling in a semi-circular way. But, the dragon is not for effect purposes, it serves as an AC duct. 

Large hand-crafted fans and traveler statues have also been specially commissioned for the floor. "A sincere effort has been made to recreate an upmarket version of an authentic Chinese eatery," says its architect-cum-interior designer duo Rajiv and Mukta Gupta. 

Redefining the art of fine dining in North-West Delhi, the Indian floor of the restaurant has been modeled on the lines of a western bistro with raw plastered beamed ceilings, red brick walls and customized copper lampshades that complete the effect. Marble jewellery paintings inset with precious stones and period ethnic artifacts further emphasis the Indian connection. 

Also in the offing on the third floor of Gola Northend is the first pub in that part of Delhi. Done up in hues of blue and gray with a Parisian sidewalk café kind of look, the pub has furniture in wrought iron to complement the relaxed and uncluttered ambience. 

It is an eclectic fusion of European cobbled pathways and contemporary stylish wooden flooring. Interesting Victorian era antiques like giant compass clocks, Raj era telephone instruments etc. give the place a special feel..

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