Bengal has been the land of sweet lovers; commonly believed that this region, which was known as Gour Banga, got its name from the production of 'Gur' (molasses). From fine arts to commerce, culture to industry, from literature to science- there is a glorious flowering of exuberant excellence. This spirit has touched the world of confectionery that is clearly evident at The Bangla Mishti Hub, primarily conceived as a celebration of this sweetest part of India.

Conceptualised as a confluence of the ten best ‘misti’ brands of the state under one roof to celebrate the charm of Bengal’s sweets as well as offer the visitors a token of nostalgia. Located adjacent to the Eco Park on the Biswa Bangla Sarani, Rajarhat, Kolkata, The Bangla Misti Hub is strategically placed on the way to the Kolkata airport that offers a flavourful welcome and an unforgettable farewell to the in-transit travellers. Designed to infuse the distinctive cultural elements of Kolkata throughout its design, the design carefully weaves inspirations from the city into each space. While the architecture appears to be contemporary and dynamic, further contemplation takes the visitor down on a walk down memory lane—to a classic, older colonial city called Calcutta. The layout of the mishti hub draws inspiration from the Kolkata Rajbaris of yore. These houses have quintessential large, central open spaces, that radiate through the other habitable spaces. The courtyard becomes the heart of the household used for social and cultural gatherings.

A cast iron exoskin on a warmer terracotta façade welcomes the visitors into the 8000 sq. ft of grandeur and old-world charm. Cast iron is a long-forgotten story and its revival in public infrastructure to celebrate its romance is a conscious effort on the part of the administrative machinery of the State and its architect.  While still outside, one witnesses a long promenade that accentuates the enormous frontage that accommodates over 150 odd people. Without being over-imposing, the entire elevation exudes grace and charm. Once inside, spatial fluidity of various zones, seamlessly overlapping, create an exotic experience, wherein utmost attention has been given to allow the guests to linger, undisturbed. A lot of cornices, columns and colonnades, reminiscent of the old Bengal architecture, are purposely used to accentuate both - the exterior and interior space design. The sweets hub also houses the atrium, an open area that provides its guests with a rejuvenating outdoor experience, while they savour the Bengali delicacies. The hint of greens on the patio create a relaxing and breezy ambience.

Even when one takes a place at the table, the attention to detail is a source of marvel. The interior juxtaposed with open seamless zones create a spatial experience that is neither cocooned nor cluttered. The table legs are a nod to the four-poster antique beds, that are common to a Bengali household. In the evening, the central theme of celebration is bedazzled by the majestic crystal chandeliers, that are reminiscent of the old Zamindari Bengal’s ‘jhaarbati’, adding to the mood of nostalgia and merriment. No space remains untouched; from the ceiling patterns and frames used to depict the wooden rafters and beams reminiscent of the old colonial buildings, to the floors laid with stone and terrazzo tiles in intricate leaf work inlay embellished with gold, that define the Bengali space and its local artistry. To further the celebration of sweets, interactive displays, easels, installations, graphics highlight trivia associated with the misti. Mounted electronic screens offer insight into the history and preparation of sweets in Bengal. Not only does one eat a sweet, but also carries back the knowledge associated with it. Within the hub is a retail zone that sells unique merchandise such as Bengal misti containers, terracotta or earthenware platters in order to celebrate the way the misti was served, including crockery, cutlery or even packaging material.

With the Bangla Mishti hub, an attempt has been made to create a space that’s a celebration of the city of Kolkata and captures its architectural and artisanal beauty. Modern, yet an ode to the traditional and classical designs of yore, the pristine and pure quality of Bengal’s metaphorical fabric and architecture manifests to heighten the visitors’ experience and give them a tryst with Bengal.