The Hazelnut Factory has increased its reach across the country with the launch of its 16th outlet in Varanasi, a heritage-inspired café designed around the restoration of Narayani Koop, an ancient well dating back to 1883.
This was originally built by Maharani Narayani Devi in honor of Maharaja Ishwari Prasad Narayan Singh of Banaras, had been left to decay for a long time. The brand has now made its return part of the building and the new café’s narrative, mixing modern dining with the love of history.
Ankit Sahni, Founder of The Hazelnut Factory, said, “We are not just opening a café in Varanasi — we are becoming a real part of the city’s heritage. By restoring Narayani Koop, we paid respect to the benevolence of the Maharaja that went beyond the borders as well as the devotion of the Maharani for preserving his glory. This café is a celebration of culture, community, and continuity — the true core of Banaras.”
Key Highlights
Narayani Koop tells an exclusive story of Indo-British heritage. Its roots go to the Maharaja’s Well in Stoke Row, Oxfordshire — a charitable project initiated by the Maharaja to supply water to the area in the 19th century.
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The well in Banaras, which was constructed by the Maharani, was meant to be a tribute and a token of respect during the last years of the Maharaja. However, the building gradually became old and lost its historic value.
The Hazelnut Factory is restoring the well with the intention of saving the local heritage while providing a contemporary vegetarian café experience. The opening of the new outlet is a manifestation of the company's belief in making deep cultural connections in the cities it visits and creating a space for visitors where culinary excellence meets historical memory.
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