Pour Over Coffee Roasters (POCR) is embarking on a new journey, one that takes the brand from the energy of the city to the quiet intention of the mountains. The specialty coffee roaster has announced the opening of its newest outpost in McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh, marking what founders Ritika Sharma and Aditya Sharma describe as a defining new chapter in the evolution of the brand.
For many hospitality brands, growth often means moving towards bigger cities and busier commercial districts. For Pour Over Coffee Roasters, growth meant moving closer to the values that inspired the brand in the first place—thoughtfulness, community, culture, and the rituals that make everyday experiences memorable.
Nestled amidst the Himalayan landscape at an elevation of 2,082 metres, and located less than 100 metres from the Dharamshala–McLeodganj Skyway and approximately 300 metres from the Dalai Lama Temple, the McLeodganj space reflects a shift towards destination-led hospitality, where the setting becomes an integral part of the experience. More than just another café opening, the new location represents an exploration of how coffee can connect people, places, and stories.
“After opening three locations in Delhi NCR, we found ourselves asking a simple question: where next? The answer wasn’t another high street. It was a place that felt emotionally aligned with what Pour Over is becoming as a brand,” says founder Ritika Sharma.
“Pour Over was never built to be just another coffee shop. It was built around intention, thoughtfully crafted coffee, meaningful spaces, daily rituals, our people, and our community. McLeodganj felt like a natural next step. Delhi taught us speed and scale; McLeodganj teaches us intention.”
Known for its unique blend of Himalayan culture, Tibetan heritage, global travellers, artists, adventurers, remote workers, and locals, McLeodganj offered something that deeply resonated with the founders. The town’s ability to bring together people from diverse backgrounds felt similar to the communities that have organically formed around Pour Over’s coffee bars over the years.
The newly designed space has been created to accommodate these varied communities and ways of gathering. Guests enter into a layout that offers distinct experiences depending on how they wish to engage with the space. On one side, lush greenery leads to Pour Over’s signature community table positioned alongside the coffee bar, encouraging conversation, interaction, and connection. Running parallel to bustling Temple Road is a 15-foot ledge designed for those who prefer to pause, observe, and enjoy the rhythm of the town.
The opposite side features intimate nesting tables for smaller groups, eventually opening into a mezzanine level designed as a warm, living-room-in-the-hills setting. On clear days, guests can enjoy panoramic views stretching towards Pong Lake while lingering over coffee, conversation, or quiet reflection.
The menu continues Pour Over’s commitment to specialty coffee, featuring its signature range of consciously sourced coffees, precision brewing methods, and seasonal offerings. The experience, however, extends beyond the cup. Whether it is a traveller taking a break after a mountain hike, artists exchanging ideas over coffee, remote workers settling in for the day, or locals gathering on a sunny afternoon, the space has been envisioned as a place where everyday moments become lasting memories.
At the heart of the experience is Pour Over’s specialty coffee programme, built around consciously sourced beans, in-house roasting, and precision brewing. Guests can explore classic espresso-based beverages including Cappuccino, Flat White, Cortado, Caffe Latte and Caffe Mocha, alongside manual brewing methods such as Pour Over and Vietnamese coffee. Signature creations like the Orange Americano, Orange P.O. Tonic, Cran-Brew, Australian Mocha and Pour Over’s Bullet reflect the brand’s playful yet craft-driven approach to coffee. The menu also includes a range of cold brews, affogatos, matcha lattes and seasonal beverages, offering something for both coffee purists and curious explorers. The beverage programme also features a selection of beers, wines and wine-based cocktails, creating an easy transition from daytime coffee rituals to relaxed evenings in the hills.
Complementing the coffee programme is an all-day food menu designed for meals, post-hike refuelling, casual gatherings and long conversations. Guests can begin with breakfast favourites such as Shokupan French Toast, Mediterranean Shakshouka, Turkish Eggs and American Buttermilk Pancakes, before moving into fresh salads, sourdough toasts and croissant sandwiches. The menu further features comfort-driven dishes including quesadillas, burgers, rice bowls, artisanal pizzas and handcrafted pastas, alongside signature plates such as Lamb Meatballs and Fish & Chips. A selection of baked cheesecakes, tiramisu and chocolate mousse rounds off the experience, reinforcing Pour Over’s vision of creating a destination where exceptional coffee and thoughtful food come together seamlessly.
“There’s something incredibly unique about McLeodganj,” adds Aditya Sharma. “People arrive here from all walks of life, often searching for something, whether it’s adventure, inspiration, connection, or simply a pause. We wanted to create a space that becomes part of that journey. A place where a great cup of coffee is remembered not just for its flavour, but for the experience around it.”
The opening also signals Pour Over’s growing interest in destination-led hospitality—a philosophy that views hospitality not simply as a service but as a meaningful relationship between people and place.
As the brand expands beyond urban centres, McLeodganj stands as a reminder that not every growth story follows a predictable path. Sometimes the most meaningful journeys lead towards quieter landscapes, meaningful moments, and deeper connections.
