Ahead Of Festive Season, Darjeeling’s Historic Glenary’s Buzz Bar Faces Temporary Closure

Glenary’s, the iconic multi-level landmark on Mall Road known for its British-era charm, has temporarily closed its bar following an excise department order. The popular Buzz Bar, part of the establishment that also includes a bakery, cafe, and restaurant, will remain shut for 90 days.

The closure comes amid conflicting claims: Glenary’s insists all its documentation is in order, while the excise authorities maintain the bar failed to submit its licence renewal papers. The restaurant and cafe sections, famed for their pastries, Darjeeling tea, and continental cuisine, continued to operate on Wednesday.

The timing of the raid has added to the blow, coming just weeks before Christmas and New Year, at the height of the tourist season. Authorities cited alleged violations, including unauthorised live music performances, improper liquor storage, and irregularities in accounting practices.

Despite the temporary closure of its bar, Glenary’s bakery and main restaurant remain open, continuing to serve their famed pastries, Darjeeling tea, and continental fare to both locals and visitors. Yet the lively energy that the bar once brought—with clinking glasses, live music, and bustling evenings—remains absent, casting a quieter, more subdued note over the city’s festive season.

Darjeeling’s Timeless Culinary Landmark

Glenary’s, the jewel in the crown of the Queen of Hills, is a must-visit for anyone traveling to North Bengal. Famed for its pastries, Darjeeling tea, and continental cuisine, the bakery has been delighting visitors since pre-Independence days with its delectable cakes, breads, and pastries. For those seeking a hearty meal, classics such as Fish and Chips, Pork Chops with French fries, Roast Chicken with Potato Salad, Mixed Grill, Beef Burger, and Shepherd's Pie are all on offer.

Founded around 1885 as a confectionery called Vado by an Italian family, Glenary’s later expanded into a full-fledged restaurant and passed through the hands of several owners, including the Edwards family. Today, the well-preserved heritage building stands as a symbol of Darjeeling’s British colonial past, attracting generations of visitors. The bakery and cafe continue to serve fresh bread, cakes, pastries, sandwiches, coffee, and the famous Darjeeling tea, while the restaurant offers continental dishes like shepherd’s pie. The Buzz Bar is known for its live music and lively evenings.

FAQs

What is Glenary’s famous for?
Its bakery, pastries, Darjeeling tea, and continental dishes like Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, and Roast Chicken.

When was Glenary’s established?
Around 1885, originally as a confectionery called Vado by an Italian family.

What sections does Glenary’s have?
A bakery and cafe, a restaurant serving continental cuisine, and the Buzz Bar (currently temporarily closed).

Why is Glenary’s iconic?
It’s a well-preserved British-era heritage building and a symbol of Darjeeling’s colonial past.

Is the restaurant still open?
Yes, the bakery and restaurant continue to serve patrons despite the temporary closure of the bar.