Banaras, Uttar Pradesh – The Hazelnut Factory proudly announces the opening of its 16th edition, THF Jal Ghar, located in the heart of Varanasi, a site steeped in history and cultural resonance. Nestled beside the heritage well Narayani Koop – built in 1883 by Maharani Narayani Devi, wife of Maharaja Ishwari Prasad Narayan Singh of Banaras, the new outlet pays tribute to a legacy of devotion, artistry, and cross-cultural friendship.
The story behind Narayani Kup traces back to the Maharaja’s Well in Stoke Row, Oxfordshire, constructed in the year 1863. Funded by the Maharaja as a gesture of goodwill towards Edward Reade of the East India Company, the well was built to help alleviate water scarcity in the village of stoke row marking a rare moment of Indo-British companionship.
Years later, during the Maharaja’s final days, his wife, Maharani Narayani Devi, commissioned the construction of a similar well in Banaras. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this well was built as a symbol of the Maharaja’s prestige, honour, and enduring legacy, and was named Narayani Kup.
THF Jal Ghar curates layered history into its design and experience, blending vegetarian culinary innovation with cultural storytelling. The outlet features archival visuals, interpretive signage, and a café that echoes the original well’s surroundings.
“We’re not just opening a café – we’re reviving a story,” said Ankit Sahni, Founder of The Hazelnut Factory. “Narayani Kup is a testament to how love and generosity can transcend borders and equally, to the Maharaja’s enduring prestige and honour that inspired its creation. At Jal Ghar, we’ve created a space where heritage meets hospitality, and every cup of coffee carries a piece of that legacy.”
The outlet will host guided heritage walks, storytelling evenings, and collaborative events with local historians and artisans, reinforcing THF’s commitment to experiential hospitality rooted in place and purpose.
