The Social Network

Anti-design is the theme here, with most of the furniture being second hand and red-bricked walls standing bare. To be a member, one has to go through a selection process. “Our only criterion is body of work and we encourage creative people to apply,” says Amlani, 39. Members have to pay Rs 5,000 every month, redeemable against food and drinks.

On the first day, Shuchir Suri and Anjali Batra of Foodtalk India, a popular food community, are working on a new app from Social. “We have an office in Gurgaon but when we are in Delhi, we work out of cafes. But Social has everything one needs to work and it’s a good space to brainstorm because of all the creative people one meets here. It’s also gives recognition to those who don’t have an office,” says Suri.

A freelance graphic designer is finishing Eggs Benedict and Iced Tea while working on a new project, while a few team members of Delhi-based clothing label, bhane, are working on new marketing pitches. Smiles and glances are exchanged and it’s evident that this will be more than just a work space. Amlani opened Church Street Social in Bangalore three months ago and is set to open in Mumbai in two weeks.

This space combines work and gluttony and the exhaustive menu can be a bit distracting. We order Sid’s Very Posh Breakfast that comprises two eggs, baked beans, grilled tomato, hash browns, bacon, toast with butter and jam and cutting chai. At another table, there is a Deconstructed Moscow Mule — vodka and ginger ale. “Delhi needed a place like this. When you want to get away from everyday work life, it makes sense to come to Social. I have an office but it’s amazing to be able to come here and work,” says Nicole Teresa Juneja, Business Head- Delhi, Peepul Consulting, who is here for a meeting today.
While the ground floor has an all-day cafe, it’s the collaborative work space that gives the feeling of community, one that has been missing from the Village lately.