The Oberoi, New Delhi, 1976

Back in the Swinging Sixties, few hotels in India really swung, so when The Oberoi opened in New Delhi in 1965, it ushered in a new era of luxury properties in the country. The go-to place for travelling stars and dignitaries (The Beatles stayed for a day in 1966) in its almost 50 years of existence, The Oberoi has become a beloved landmark, marking the approximate point where south Delhi segues into Lutyen’s Delhi.

The Oberoi has been home to many iconic restaurants over the years, from Café Chinois (complete with a live band) to La Rochelle, Kandahar and Taipan. For many, the Moghul Room was the final word in authentic north Indian cuisine (the Nargisi Kofta Curry was a favourite). This publicity shot from 1976 is part of a photo retrospective that the hotel has put together to celebrate its upcoming Golden Jubilee. The hotel’s chefs have even come up with a special menu with dishes from the old restaurants. A La Rochelle martini anyone?