At Churchgate railway station, many a Mumbaikar speaking on the phone gives directions in this way. "Meet me outside Air Cool salon." Likewise, "Get off on the Satkar restaurant side of the station." That's because these establishments are landmarks familiar to the thousands of commuters who stream out of Churchgate. But soon, you'll have to find some new landmarks to mention.
The reason? From January 19, the 60-year-old Satkar restaurant will permanently move out of the building which it occupies at present. The restaurant is going to New Marine Lines. Its AC section is already shut: it closed on Monday. The nearby Air Cool salon will be closing for relocation on January 25, and it is still looking for a new place.
Besides its quick service, Satkar restaurant is also a favourite meeting point for students and others. "Not many know the chamber of commerce building at Churchgate. But if you tell them Satkar, they will be able to find the place quickly," said Abhay Shah, who has been coming to the restaurant for 18 years. Shah was surprised to know that the restaurant is shutting shop.
Many, such as Malabar hill resident Kalpana Pandya, like the restaurant's chilled-out ambience. "I have been coming here for 25 years now," said Pandya. "The place is clean, there is quick service and the food is cheap and good. They do not disturb you even if you spend up to an hour here," she added.
Situated on the ground floor of the Express Building, Satkar and Air Cool will be moving out due to lease issues. "The landlords want rent as per market rate, which is too high," said Laxminarayan Pai, restaurant manager, explaining the reason behind the move. He said that the restaurant will be moving to a place in New Marine Lines, which is nearby.
While Satkar is almost 60 years old, Air Cool has been around for 57. Known for its cleanliness and reasonable charges, Air Cool has been popular with local residents as well as office-goers. Older generations who live in the vicinity recall that Air Cool was their first alternative to the age-old tradition of calling a barber home. Of late, Air Cool offers massages, too, which are preferred by businessmen after a long day.
Now, the salon is asking its clients to leave their visiting cards or phone numbers with it, so it can inform them when it shifts to a new premises.
Meanwhile, there's always that long train journey with colleagues in which to agree upon a new landmark near Churchgate.
