The Hot Spot Opens in Lahore

After a step here, a sidestep, and a wrong turn or two, we finally arrived at our destination at an unbuilt building and were to become the first “kids on the block” at T Block.  We opened quietly, with zero publicity on a quiet Friday Evening.  Myself and Sheraz are waiting for the first daring customers to appear.  We hoped we had gained enough infamy to count on our name and that we “were the real Hot Spot”.  The Shop looked small but cosy enough, and the Giant poster of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds took centre stage. 

It was a giant leap into darkness for The Hot Spot, and we had no idea what to expect.  I remember being exhausted, heading home, and being told the following day that we had sold a few scoops of ice cream.

It was a small but meaningful moment for The Hot Spot.  Sheraz, who we lost so tragically in June 2023, was enormously instrumental in building strong customer bonds and worked his heart out in the kitchen.  What a journey of friendship it has been in Lahore.  We are forever grateful. 

I tried to return the love by reflecting our passion for Pakistani Cinema, especially the cinema of Lahore, into much of The Hot Spot experience with deranged and classic dialogues littered among the music collection.  We are proud to be recognised as the driving force behind making Lollywood imagery and cinema of the golden era accessible to a new generation through irreverent Tin Signs and T-shirts.  Many have tried to copy, but there is always a difference when it’s done with love.

Through the ups and downs, though, we would like to take this moment to Thank the warmth we have received over these years.  It’s been an incredible bond built over decades, and we only hope that it continues to grow ever stronger in years to come.

Thank You, Lahore.