The month of June, in many ways, becomes a month of respite for people. It marks the mid-point of the new year, inviting people to take a pause and breathe, to reflect. It marks a respite from the long, scorching heat of India as monsoon rains are ushered in. It also marks to be a vibrant respite with its festivities of acceptance and love, a month-long celebration of the queer community and their experiences.
June holds a special place in the hearts of millions as it embraces Pride Month, a month of love, diversity, and the enduring quest for equality. Across the globe, June transforms into a canvas of rainbow hues, where parades, rallies, and celebrations echo the triumphs and ongoing struggles of the queer community.
Pune awaits Pride Month with zeal
Events, scattered across the thirty days, celebrate the queer community in ways as unique as them. The community, too, enthusiastically participates; unabashed about who they are as they attend the parades, engage in events, show-off their partners, and everything in between. However, Pune does not shy away from its inclusivity, even beyond the month of June. Strewn across the city, you may find several spots that could make the perfect date for you and your partner.
This list collates five such cafés in Pune, with queer-certified vibe checks.
Tanoshii Café, S.B. Road
Nestled away in the lanes of S.B. Road, you may one of the cosiest cafés in the city. It boasts a huge space that allows you to sit and relax, especially with its set-up of comfortable couches and pillows. This café becomes the perfect place for you to unwind and spend some quality time with your partner. A co-working space, as well, you can visit it even in the middle of your work day, making a date out of working alongside each other. At an affordable rate of 100 rupees per hour, the café offers a worthwhile experience with an array of food options. And if you follow their Instagram, you'll always be in the loop for their multitude of events, each one being a potential date in itself.
Café Kathaa, F.C. Road
If you are looking for a café that combines picturesque interiors, a budget-friendly menu without compromising on taste, and cozy nooks perfect for a peaceful retreat with your partner, look no further than Café Kathaa. This charming spot offers a delightful ambiance where you can relax and enjoy quality time. The thoughtfully designed interiors create a visually appealing and comfortable setting, while the menu features a variety of delicious options that are kind to your wallet. Whether you're seeking a quiet corner for intimate conversations or simply a serene place to unwind, Café Kathaa provides the perfect atmosphere for you and your loved one.
Mauji Time Café, Bhosle Nagar
In the list of the most unique cafes in Pune, you will find the name of Mauji Café. The idea behind the café is that you be who you want to be, a “person unburdened by the restlessness of the world, liberated from judgments and guilt”, as stated on their website. You go there and you pay for the time you spend there, getting in exchange an unlimited supply of beverages and WiFi along with an affordable and delicious menu. It has its own library, workspace, art store, studio, and everything in between. Basically, it gives you a space to do what you want while being your true, authentic self. What more do you need?
Artizen Café, Baner
Art has its own connection with romance and Artizen Café offers you just that - a space where you can paint and craft your own masterpieces, making it an ideal spot for a date. As you and your partner settle in with your canvases and brushes, the act of creating art together becomes a shared experience, filled with laughter and playful banter. Located in Baner, it is a quaint café with both outdoor and indoor seating, good food and music, and a lively atmosphere. And even if you are not be the best artist in the world, you can at least have some guaranteed fun while painting the date away with the person closest to your heart.
Waari Book Café, Kothrud
What if you and your partner want to just sit and spend some time together without having to say much? If you are book lovers, then Waari Book Café is the perfect haven for you. Imagine cozying up in plush armchairs, tranquil ambiance complementing the soft rustling of pages and the faint aroma of freshly brewed coffee. You and your partner can lose yourselves in your favourite books while occasionally sharing a knowing smile or a passage that resonates. The café’s warm and inviting atmosphere makes it an ideal retreat where you can enjoy each other's presence in peaceful silence, creating a shared experience that speaks volumes without uttering a single word.
As Pune eagerly anticipates Pride Month with its vibrant celebrations and inclusive spirit, the city not only embraces diversity in June but throughout the year. These five cafés highlighted offer more than just spaces for a date - they symbolize sanctuaries where individuals can truly be themselves, surrounded by acceptance and warmth. Whether enjoying artistic endeavours, immersing in literary worlds, or simply savouring a quiet moment together, these venues in Pune provide the perfect backdrop for meaningful connections and shared experiences, echoing the essence of Pride Month beyond its thirty days.