Some thought it resembled a birdcage, some a skeleton, but Watson’s Esplanade Hotel was undoubtedly Bombay’s first grand hotel. This Sunday, Bombay Vintage in collaboration with Bombaywalla brings to you a guided walk around Bombay’s first grand hotel. Expressly designed as a first class hotel with upwards of 120 rooms and a steam lift, Watson’s was conceived in the 1860s along with the grand structures it stands alongside- the University, the High Court, and the Secretariat.

Join us as we stride along the structure, stopping by at the archives where we will present rare archival material on the Hotel from the Public Works Department and the Bombay Gazette newspaper; visit the site of the erstwhile Watson’s Annexe at Apollo Bunder and end the walk at the Bombay Vintage restaurant. Choose from Mini Meal options like Dabbawalla Missal Pav, Mushroom Dhansak, Maharashtrian Komdi Vade or Chicken Dhansak and beverage options like a Pint of Beer, glass of Sangria or the Kala Ghoda Kala Khatta.

The walk will be conducted by Miss Bombaywalla, Dr.Simin Patel. Bombaywalla Historical Works is a platform that creates awareness about Bombay’s built environment and social history. Bombaywalla operates a blog, conducts historical walks and curates public history projects for various organisations.

Date: Sunday, 29th September 2019

Time: Walk starts at 10:00 AM from Rhythm House

**Price includes a mini meal and beverage at Bombay Vintage