There are some people who don’t just open cafés.
They create worlds.
When I walked into Poach for the first time, it felt like stepping into a fairytale tucked away in a quiet corner of Kolkata. The soft lighting, the scent of freshly brewed coffee, the calm music, the handcrafted dishes that looked like art — it reminded me of the charm of Covent Garden in London. And it was all brought to life by one man: Nikhil Chawla.
Born and raised in the heart of Kolkata, Nikhil studied at St. James’ School and went on to the University of Glasgow. Though his family runs the well-known shoe brand Kamal & Kamal, his soul beat to a different rhythm. From a young age, Nikhil dreamt of something more — something that felt, looked, and tasted like joy.
His first café, Mocha, opened when I was still in school — and even back then, it felt like something special. I remember the iconic swings, the warm pastas, the desserts that lingered in your memory. Mocha wasn’t just a café — it was an experience. He went on to open Salsa Grill, Machiner’s Paradise, and Eggitarian. Some stayed, some faded — but each was a chapter in his creative journey.
And then came Marbella in 2019 — a blooming, floral dream that instantly won hearts. Marbella’s second outlet opened in 2020 and both still thrive today. For people like me, romantics at heart, walking into Marbella feels like living out a fantasy. With flowers cascading around you, the air filled with sweet smells, and a table full of lovingly prepared food — it’s pure magic.
Then in 2022, he brought us Poach, and once again, he raised the bar. Poach is peaceful and polished — a place that doesn’t shout, but rather, gently speaks to your senses. It’s stylish, healthy, thoughtful. Every detail — from the playlist to the plate — is designed to make you feel cherished.
And this is what stands out about Nikhil: he puts love into everything he creates. It’s in the food. It’s in the design. But most importantly, it’s in the way he treats people.
As I watched him interact with his staff, I was moved. He wasn’t just giving instructions — he was laughing with them, listening to them, pampering them like close friends. That tenderness, that humility — that’s what makes him different. He doesn’t just run restaurants. He builds families.
The hospitality business can be brutal. There are leaky roofs, chipped walls, licenses, unpredictable trends, and the constant challenge of holding on to good staff. But even amidst all that chaos, Nikhil stays calm, smiling, hustling. He plays cricket when he can, meets guests warmly, and pays attention to every corner of his spaces.
His creativity doesn't end at cafés. He started Jigsaw Coffee, a beautifully packaged coffee brand. And now he’s even launched Get Peppy, his own brand of kombucha — because why not? When you’re creative, you find ways to express that magic everywhere.
And through it all, what keeps him going is passion. A deep, unwavering love for what he does. He believes in manifestation, in dreaming big, in trusting that the universe listens when you put your soul into your work.
Today, Nikhil dreams of opening a restaurant in London. And honestly, I believe with all my heart that it will happen. Because when someone works the way he does — with fire in the belly, a heart full of kindness, and eyes set on beauty — how can the universe not respond?
So here’s what I’ll say to anyone reading this:
Be like Nikhil. Dream. Create. Hustle. Love what you do. Treat people well. And believe.
Because life is too short not to follow your dreams.
And trust me, dreams do come true.