Bengaluru’s oldest ice cream shop, started its journey during British Raj with just three flavours. Today, it is one of the top destination for ice creams, cakes and more

Bengaluru’s oldest ice cream parlour is almost 100-years-old. The story of Lakeview Milk Bar starts almost nine decades ago, in pre-Independence India. According to the information set on their website, the shop was established in 1930, by James Meadow Charles, an Englishman living in the British Raj.

Lakeview Milk Bar began its journey under the leadership of Charles, who initially offered just three traditional ice cream varieties—vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. As India approached Independence, Charles chose to return to England and transferred ownership of the business to 19-year-old entrepreneur Vrajlal Jamnadas, whose passion for ice cream would shape the brand's future.

Determined to master the art of ice cream making, Vrajlal travelled to California, where he trained with some of the industry's leading experts. After coming back to India, he introduced an expanded selection of timeless flavours that quickly captured the attention of Bengaluru residents. The new offerings earned widespread appreciation and helped establish the parlour as one of the city's favourite dessert destinations.


During the early 1970s, Lakeview Milk Bar opened its well-known outlet on MG Road, placing itself at the centre of Bengaluru's bustling social scene. By this period, the establishment had become a familiar name across the city, welcoming nearly 700 patrons every day. It soon gained a reputation as a favourite stop for late-night visitors, becoming closely associated with Bengaluru's popular drive-in culture and securing its status as an iconic ice cream parlour.

The business continued to evolve over the following decades. In 1980, it broadened its menu beyond frozen desserts by introducing Continental-style breakfast options along with a variety of freshly prepared savoury snacks. During the early 1990s, the bakery section was further expanded to include freshly baked cakes, cookies, and pastries. Today, Lakeview Milk Bar serves an extensive selection of baked goods, including cakes, tarts, quiches, pound cakes, and an assortment of freshly baked breads, reflecting its transformation from a simple ice cream shop into a well-loved café and bakery.