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Dine behind bars: Historic police station in Meghalaya reimagined as a cafe
The 140-year-old heritage building in Meghalaya, now a café, preserves architectural legacy while supporting police welfare.
In the misty hills of Sohra (Cherrapunji), Meghalaya, a 140-year-old colonial-era police station has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind dining destination. Belovedly, it’s named as Sohra 1885.
Once known as a “dreaded detention centre” during British rule, this heritage building now invites visitors to enjoy a meal behind bars. Literally.
This very initiative, led by Meghalaya Police and conceptualised by Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, aims to preserve the state’s architectural legacy and support police welfare, on the other hand. Entrepreneur Nafi Nongrum spearheaded the restoration, retaining original British-era elements like the fireplace and flooring, while converting the lock-up area into a quirky dining space.
The caféreportedly offers seating for up to 100 guests and features a diverse menu. Visitors can experience the thrill of dining in refurbished jail cells, making it a must-visit for both foodies and history enthusiasts.
Sohra 1885 proves to be not just a cafe but a creative blend of heritage, hospitality, and history, offering a one-of-a-kind experience surrounded by one of India’s most scenic locales.
Similar cafés like this:
- Tihar Food Court, Delhi
- Shrunkhala Restaurant, Pune
- Jail View Cafe, Patiala
- Apni Rasoi, Bhopal
- Cafe Rista, Noida
