Bye, bye Woodlands Drive-in

[Blue Thunder]

Yes, i read this sad/shocking news just now . Can't believe it yet, and no, today is not April 1st.

Is there something that can be done to stop this

The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : A drive-in restaurant on its way out?

Originally Posted by The Hindu

CHENNAI: It has been more than a restaurant. A landmark, a popular hang-out and an eatery, whose dosas and Chola Batura almost magically drew commuters passing by, probably saw its last day here on Friday. Following a court order, Woodlands Drive-in Restaurant on Cathedral Road was being closed down by the police late Friday.
While all those who came in cars to the drive-in facility were asked to leave, a scanty number of people could be seen having their dinner at the restaurant, perhaps for the last time. A few police personnel were also seen.
Manager of the restaurant M. K. Sharma said the restaurant had been functioning on the premises since 1962. He maintained that it was only the car park area that would not function. Customers could still come in and eat, he said.

[Mission_Safari]

More than just a restaurant and hang out place, many people had emotional bonding to wdi. We certainly are going to miss this place. I don't think we could do anything do stop this coz this case has been going on for a very long time and i knew it was only a matter of time before govt takes over this.

[fiery enzyme]

What will happen to Chennai Tbahp meets? very sad and I was just getting to know the place. Infact E_L were just discussing that the place still exisisting is a marvel.

[Wolffe]

It's sad to see a piece of Madras heritage being closed down.Very Sad!Read the article this morning.Can't we do anything at all?

[nitrous]

There's a reason this "car park" alone is being closed.

[Jaggu]

Oh so bad, thats a nice place. Saw a bunch of vintage bike enthusiast chilling out on a sun morn when i visited and food is also quite good.

Prime property, hopefully not another mall coming up :(

[esteem_lover]

The food will still be there, the car park will go. Very sad indeed. I have known & been to this place for the last 35 years in all kinds of vehicles. Has been the rendezvous for many meetings including the Team-BHP meets off late. I have spent blissful time in those shades, i cannot forget. Like they say, all good things must come to an end.

[Rahulkool]

noooo ...... i was planning to go there sometime

never been to the place :( ..... sucks

[Thad E Ginathom]

Me too. Never been.

The talk of botanical gardens etc is interesting, but I'd be surprised if one of the best plots of land in the area doesn't get sold to a politician's nephew at a knock-down price.

Hmmm... wish I had some politician uncles

[bottle]

what rubbish , isnt the botanical gardens just opposite ? who needs another one ? cant believe they are closing it down afer so many years.

wonder whose hare brained idea it was

[mjothi]

Oh.. Just during last meet I was refering to my friend how come such a huge place in heart of the city is not taken by any Politicians or builders.

[nitrous]

From what I heard, some "immoral" activities at the car park has been the main reason for the shut down.

[bottle]

rofl :P but something can be done about that right ? brighter lights or closing down the far end of the car park.

shame :( have been going there since i was a kid (only to eat and enjoy the ambience though :P)

[Thad E Ginathom]

From the story in the Express also, it seems that the prime problem is not between the govt and Woodlands, but between the Govt and the Agri-Horticultural society who are the prime lease holders for woodlands as well as their place on the opposite side of the road.

If anyone knows the history?

[Thad E Ginathom]

Originally Posted by nitrous

From what I heard, some "immoral" activities at the car park has been the main reason for the shut down.

Dammit... another place for those "immoral" activities lost :(