Chakra Lounge Fusion Cafe Opens in Refreshed Fitzalan Square

A brand new Indian-fusion cafe, The Chakra Lounge, has opened its doors in the recently refurbished Fitzalan Square.

The Chakra Lounge opens in Fitzalan Square

The Chakra Lounge is a brand new Indian-British fusion cafe, with an impressive interior to match it’s incredible menu.

Situated in the newly refreshed Fitzalan Square in the heart of Sheffield, The Chakra Lounge is perfectly placed next door to another newby to the City Centre — Fred Aldous Arts & Crafts shop.

A quirky menu awaits offering an interesting twist on Western breakfasts “if Indian’s did it”. You can expect dishes such as “Grandma’s Special Turmeric Porridge”, as well as more traditional fayre including Samosa Chaat and Curry-and-Rice bowls.

Additionally, you’ll find delicious cakes and authentic Indian coffee with much of the menu being vegetarian or vegan-friendly.

“I came here as a student in 2008 and when you come here from India, you have a culture shock. Trying to live on a budget and trying to find things which are available in this country to mix with our own spices is how the idea for The Chakra Lounge originally came about.

“This is the food we’ve always wanted to do. Fusion Indian food or British food with an Indian hint. It’s the food that we had when we were kids and grew up eating. It’s mother’s cooking. It’s not like what you get in other Indian restaurants. Even the coffee, which is Malabar, uses South Indian coffee beans. We’re focusing on getting things straight from India”Sam, The Chakra Lounge owner

Third venue for The Chakra Lounge

The opening of the Fitzalan Square cafe marks the third venue for The Chakra Lounge, following similar offerings in Buxton and India.

With a relaxing environment where people can collect their thoughts, the new cafe is perfect as a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

But it has been a difficult start for the new venture, which opened amid the current pandemic and lockdown situations.

“After Buxton, we always wanted to open in Sheffield and do something near the university, and this place felt right. The response has been good but it’s a roller-coaster! We opened on 17th October, and a week after we went into tier three, and then the week after we went into lockdown. Sam, The Chakra Lounge owner

The cafe has been open for takeaway — and proven popular as such — whilst restrictions prevent people eating on-site.

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Giving back to the community

A strong ethos behind the cafe is to give back to the community. The Chakra Lounge have already been involved in offering free school meals to children over half term, and free meals for NHS staff recently.

Owner Sam had planned to donate £1 per table to local charities as a way of celebrating leaving lockdown next week. However, with Sheffield immediately entering Tier 3 restrictions after the national lockdown ends, the cafe have been forced to rethink a little.

“It will be £1 for every £10 worth of takeaway spend [instead]. We’re aiming to find people who actually can’t go to charities and charities can’t come to them.”Sam, The Chakra Lounge owner

As well as The Chakra Lounge opening, Fitzalan Square has had a major overhaul recently, improving the area and linking it better to the rest of the City Centre.

Sheffield Hallam University now occupy the old central Post Office building, whilst new tenants have opened up, including the aforementioned Fred Aldous and the impressive Hygge Cafe.

To find out more about The Chakra Lounge, visit their Facebook page.

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