Where Raiders Dare

The atmospheric lanes of Fort are in the midst of a fascinating transf-ormation. Over the past two years, chic art galleries, boutiques, cafes and bookshops have squeezed themselves into the city’s old and hithe-rto ramshackle business district. The newest and most charming entrant is the airy, 10-table eatery, The Pantry.

With its verdant window boxes, bright white facade and cheery staff, it’s an inviting place. Pat-rons are urged to “eat in harmony with the season”. We enjo-yed poring over the menu, which revo-lves aro-und seas-onal fruits and vegetables and offers refreshing options like a Leek, Zucchini and Sweet Lime Soup, Carrot Apple Ginger juice and Gor-gonzola and Apple sandwiches.

Sipping on a light, tan-gy Ginger Lemon Iced Tea (Rs 95), we relaxed in the cool green-and-white room, as the lunchtime crowd char-ged in and grabbed tab-les. Our food arrived remarkably quickly; the children were soon tucking into their flaky, mustard-laced Sausage Rolls (Rs 145) and hearty, flav-ourful Lamb Stew served with sli-ces of country loaf (Rs 375).

The Vegetable Lasagna (Rs 295) was delicate and delicious. The Tuna Sand-wich, named Marine Drive (Rs 295), was a hit with the adults but a bit too fishy for the children. The Pantry off-ers a tempting array of baked goodies and desserts. The children loved the crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies (Rs 45), chewy Oatmeal But-te-rscotch Cookies (Rs 45) and generous Chocolate Twist (Rs 55). The adults, meanwhile, made the most of Mumbai’s fleeting winter and indulged in a Hot Cho-colate (Rs 55) and Cranberry Scones served with whipped cream and Apple Cinnamon Compote (Rs 65). Yummy, though I would have preferred the traditional strawberry jam with my scones.