Prison food just got an upgrade at this new lock-up in Gurgaon. Inspired by a restaurant in Japan, this theme-based dining venue offers a complete jail experience, right from the moment you see its small entrance from a distance. As you get closer, a police jeep parked outside confirms that you’ve arrived at the right place. Next, the stewardesses dressed in prisoner’s dress welcome you inside one of the multiple jail cells that are immediately locked up once you, the inmate, is inside.
Conceptualised and designed by founders Tarun Chaba and Rahul Arora, two engineers who also happen to be ardent food enthusiasts, they opened the restaurant hoping to give people more than just good food. “Handcuffs and bar rods were sourced from Jaipur and the photo frames are from Jodhpur. Many other logistics were custom-made keeping the theme in mind. There has been a special emphasis on small detailing like bullets you’ll see, in addition to some ancient keys and the messages you written on the walls and chairs. We have even painted our brand new air-conditioners and head table in such a way that they match the concept perfectly,” says Chaba.
The menu isn’t fancy but comprises all the bestselling north Indian and Chinese items one could ask for. The Chicken Gilafi Kebab and Dahi Kebabs were executed well. We’re told that their Paneer Tikka Multani, Honey Chilli Potato and Malai Kofta are a must-try. “This one-of-a-kind prison theme is a concept we thought would intrigue people. Just yesterday, we had some passersby who happened to notice the restaurant. They came in and were amazed to see what we had created. After taking lots of pictures and asking many questions about the place, they decided to sit down for a meal,” says Arora.
Curiosity like this, he says, will certainly help them market themselves better and perhaps one day, their Lockup will have many more inmates.