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You simply cannot take a love for Darjeeling out of a Bengali. And when it comes to having the best foods and moments in the heart of Darjeeling, Glenary's is one of the many iconic restaurants that come to mind. With an old-world charm that harkens back to the days of the British Raj. Glenary's appears with its elegant facade, classic interiors, and a delectable array of baked goods and culinary delights. During winters, especially Christmas and New Year's, every soul of Bengal visits Darjeeling and spends a significant amount of time at Glenary’s.
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But this year, Glenary's has found itself at the centre of a maelstrom just weeks before the holiday season. While the historic restaurant has not been permanently closed, the Excise Department has ordered the famed pub and live music portion to close for 90 days in December 2025. On Monday, 8 December, a team from the West Bengal Excise Department raided the 150-year-old cafe in the heart of Darjeeling, which is owned by Ajoy Edwards, the founder of the Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front.
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The raid, which occurred during peak tourist season, listed suspected infractions such as illegal live music concerts, poor spirits storage and accounting issues. For a location that has long been associated with Darjeeling's nightlife, the timing couldn't have been worse. If you’re visiting Darjeeling in the coming weeks, here is what you need to know if you plan to check out Glenary’s.
Reasons For Shutting Down The Bar & Live Music At Glen’s
Officials stated that no renewal was requested this year, denying the management's assertions of prior approval. Owner Ajoy Edwards called the action politically motivated and claimed he would go to the Calcutta High Court, while excise officials stated the infractions were discovered during October inspections. Despite the shutdown, tourists continue to visit Glenary's, which is considered a Darjeeling favourite.
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This is the first time Glenary's has faced such a situation. A Glenary's official stated that the management received approval during the previous fiscal year, but excise officials responded that the application for renewal was not made this year. The Glenary official also stated that all paperwork had been provided to the police, but the excise department emphasised that under Rule 239 of the West Bengal Excise (Foreign Liquor) Rules, only the excise collector is authorised to execute permissions and renewals.
What Makes Glenary’s A Must-Visit Spot Despite A Temporary Shutdown
Despite the closure of the entertainment portions, travellers continue to visit the cafe, claiming that Glenary's still has its appeal. Many people were disappointed by the temporary closure, but stated they would return once the limitations were lifted, describing Glenary's as a "must-visit" spot in Darjeeling.
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Run by the Edwards family, Glenary’s has a track record which goes back centuries of serving customers since ages. The bakery and restaurant were once called Vado after its Italian owner and later Pliva. After independence, the place was bought by a Patna-based family. Later in 1959, it was Late A. T. Edwards, a local who had worked there since 1945, who was offered the role of manager. A few years later, his family bought the property. Once they bought the place, he changed the name to Glenary’s, keeping the spirit of the place the same.
You can enjoy a variety of sandwiches, burgers, rolls, pies, pizzas, and pastries, all accompanied by the renowned Darjeeling tea or coffee. The freshness and quality of the baked goods, including cakes and muffins, are a testament to the eatery's commitment to excellence. If you're searching for a hearty lunch, try their classics such as Fish and Chips, Pork Chops with French Fries, Roast Chicken with Potato Salad, Mixed Grill, Beef Burger, Shepherd's Pie, and more.
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This place is known to serve some of the best breakfast. From sandwiches, pizzas, pastries, burgers, rolls, pies, sausages, cakes and yes, not to miss some of the finest blends of tea’s this place is a delight in the morning. In the evenings, they are known for serving some of the best hot toddies and mulled wine, along with some mac and cheese or golden butter prawns, making it a must-go spot during the festive season.
How Does This Impact Christmas & New Year's At Glenary’s?
The closing of the bar and music lounge at Glenary’s throughout the winter has resulted in significant financial losses. More importantly, it has caused uncertainty for over 250 employees, many of whom are significantly reliant on the seasonal boom. With Christmas and New Year's bookings disrupted, Darjeeling's tourism-dependent economy is also likely to suffer. Local artists, party organisers, and suppliers involved in Glenary's business are also bracing for losses.
The implications of this partial closure extend far beyond one business. It highlights concerns about regulatory openness, the susceptibility of hospitality businesses to administrative intervention, and the delicate balance between politics and local enterprise. As the hills prepare for their busiest season, Glenary's plight serves as a reminder of how fast a cultural institution can be rattled and how deeply such interruptions affect the community that relies on it.
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Despite the setback, Glenary's bakery and main restaurant remain fully operating, serving thousands of customers who enjoy the food and cheerful atmosphere. However, the absence of the bar's typical liveliness, clinking glasses, live bands and crowded evenings casts a distinct shade on Darjeeling's holiday attractiveness. It is open from 8 AM to 9:30 PM, making it an ideal spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don't miss the rooftop dining area for a panoramic view of Darjeeling.
