28 Hong Kong Street Bar Takeover - Ek Bar, Defense Colony

Known for its bustling streets and vibrant culture, Bengaluru is about to experience a taste of Seoul like never before at the best hotel bar in the country - Copitas, where the city’s elite come to play. 

From sundowners on the 21st-floor terrace to late-night rounds of artisanal cocktails in its energetic interior, every detail has been carefully considered, anointing it on the list of 50 Best Bars of Asia at #38. Copitas now presents an exciting bar takeover by the iconic minimal ‘Zero-waste’ cocktail bar from South Korea, Zest, in collaboration with The Dram Attic, as it makes its debut in India on March 8, 2024. 

Boasting an impressive array of accolades, including the #8 spot in the World's 50 Best Bars and #5 in Asia's 50 Best Bars lists, Zest brings Seoul’s fine drinking culture to Copitas to shake things up with its innovative zero-waste approach to mixology. Purpose-driven acts of sustainable mixology are also a practice at Copitas as Four Seasons Bengaluru maintains its own herb garden, supplying organic and hand-harvested ingredients. In an effort to give back to nature, Copitas utilizes plantable coasters and gifts each guest seed bombs of Tulsi, a sacred plant in India, encouraging them to participate in tree planting initiatives.

“At Four Seasons Bengaluru, we believe in curating experiences that not only indulge our guests but also inspire them. This collaboration with Zest at Copitas reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and exceptional mixology; and is an excellent opportunity for our guests to discover something new and enjoy an award-winning, unique South Korean bar experience right here in Bengaluru,” said Reuben Kataria, General Manager, Four Seasons Bengaluru.

Whether a cocktail connoisseur, a sustainability savant, or simply someone looking for a good time, Four Seasons Bengaluru raises the bar at Copitas with Zest, one zero-waste cocktail at a time.

Anthm – luxury bar & lounge, the epitome of culinary luxury, launches today offering an unparalleled dining experience, fusing innovative gastronomy with opulent surroundings to create a haven for culinary connoisseurs. 

Spread across a luxurious 45,000 sq ft of multi-sensory experience, it creates a pool of calm across an acre carved out within the chaotic lanes across the bustling heart of Gachibowli, Hyderabad.

Backed by Harsha Vadlamudi & Vidhatha Annamaneni, Co-Founders, Ironhill Hospitality and designed by Architect Aamir and Hameeda Sharma, AANDH, the lounge brings alive the vision of redefined luxury by Tarun Chitturi, Sandeep Krishna Padala, Karthik Rao Vempati, Avaneendra Upadrasta , Vishal Reddy Mandadi and C. Pruthvish Reddy.

"At Anthm, we have meticulously crafted a space where culinary artistry meets luxurious indulgence. Our goal is to redefine the dining landscape by offering an unparalleled experience that transcends traditional boundaries,” shared Padala.

With a start in Hyderabad, they plan to take the Anthm concept and experience to several other cities in the next 12 months. 

The upscale bar and lounge endeavors to provide patrons with a diverse amalgamation of culinary offerings, sophisticated ambiance, and refined spirits, thereby establishing a new standard within the industry. Delving into innovative approaches with spirits to elevate the experience, the culinary offerings feature farm-to-fork freshness, resulting in a sensory explosion of textures. Anthm is positioned to emerge as the preeminent destination for food patrons in search of a distinctive and elevated dining experience. 

Showcasing an extensive menu meticulously curated by a team of globally acclaimed chefs, the establishment aims to captivate palates with a harmonious blend of flavors that transcend the confines of conventional cuisine, presenting a repertoire of signature dishes designed to delight and surprise patrons.
 

Soon after marking an exemplary 6 years in India, the premium fine dining restaurant, The Finch unplugged its way to the patrons of Bangkok launching its flagship outlet on Thursday.

With top-notch hospitality, ambience, and services, the brand envisions bringing the successful franchise into Bangkok as an expansion strategy in South East Asia.

The brand will also be launching its brew cafe within three weeks.

"We have opened a great venue as far as live music is concerned while having a special focus on quality food and luxurious ambiance, making us the most sought-after party destination with a well-curated mixology menu,” said the CEO, Sandeep Singh Katiyar.

The brand aims to surround customers with moments far from the ordinary. Its social yet intimate environment is a heavenly escape from the daily grind and hustle. The brand is illustrious for everything exceptional - be it warm, unfussy conversational environment, well-curated multinational cuisines, soulful live music, or Mixology.

The outlet sits 30 meters from Nana BTS and is a first-party destination of Sukhumvit Soi 11. It's a large 180-seater place with exquisite outdoor and indoor vicinity adding enormous charm for both sit-down guests coming for a meal and partygoers alike.

Formulated to bridge the gap between young, vicenarian, and tricenarian partygoers, the Finch carries a vibe so youth-centric and modern yet has that classic nostalgia to serve patrons of every age group and taste.

The meticulously handcrafted multi-cuisine menu offers delectable Indian, Continental, Asian, and Italian cuisines along with Mixology.

In order to boost the city's nightlife before the celebrations for the New Year, Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena has permitted cafés and restaurants in Siri Fort Sports Complex, Qutub Golf Club, and Bhalswa Golf Club to stay open until 1 am as of Wednesday.

These DDA restaurants, which are operated by private licensees and serve food and beverages, draw thousands of visitors each day.

Previously, only between 9 pm and 11 pm could visitors to these premises purchase food and beverages, according to officials on Tuesday.

The Master Plan Delhi 2041 anticipates a thriving nightlife and a strong nighttime economy.

"Lt Governor VK Saxena has approved the opening of restaurants and cafeteria in the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) owned Siri Fort Sports Complex, Qutub Golf Club, and Bhalswa Golf Club until 1 am," "This decision will boost much-needed, up until now lacking night life in the national capital and provide impetus to night economy."

The DDA has issued an order telling those in charge of the three complexes described above to make sure there is enough security, lighting, and parking.

About 150 cafés and restaurants have already received permits from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to offer open-air, terrace eating in various parts of the city.

Saxena had in August accepted 314 commercial companies' long-pending requests to operate 24/7, including KPOs and BPOs as well as online delivery services for food, medications, logistics, transport, and travel services.

Looking at Gurgaon as an emerging market with huge growth and seeing the future potential that the market holds; Suman Bharti has launched Reflex Bar Brewery and Dining.

Bharti always dreamt of launching a high-end brewery with extreme elegance offering best-in-class craft beer since 2004 when he first visited Les Brasseurs brewery in Geneva.

Today, after 18 years, he finally launched his own swanky brewery lounge at Reflex Bar Brewery and Dining in Gurgaon.

Reflex is a vision that takes influence from its literal meaning "Reflection of Night". A well-rounded luxury concept with detailed focus on interior designing, world cuisine, top quality craft beers, fascinating cocktails & friendly service.

“I am thrilled to announce the luxury brewery lounge at Reflex Bar Brewery and Dining to transport my sassy guests to a world of resplendently festive fun. At Reflex, we aim to bring the best-in class cocktails and craft beer complete with a splendid and timeless dining experience. We handpicked some of the classic beer styles which are famous across the USA, Belgium and Germany,” shared Bharti.

The Craft Beers recipes are designed by Celebrity Brewer Ishan Grover a.k.a the BeerBaba.

In addition to the craft beers, Reflex Bar Brewery and Dining also offer a vibrant cocktail menu done by one of India’s famous and finest mixologists, Yangdup Lama.

Reflex Bar Brewery and Dining is surrounded by a warm atmosphere, the authenticity of the place is made for everyone: friends, colleagues, alone or in group, men and women. The gourmet delicacies from the food menu at Reflex Bar Brewery and Dining range from Classic Indians, Oriental, European, Lebanese, Mexican and Italian.

Urban gastro-bar Klap in association with Bombay Sapphire is excited to bring Reka:Bar’s co-owner and head of mixology, Giovanni Magliaro along with their Head Bartender Joel Poon, to India.

The pop-up will be hosted at Klap, Khan Market today, 8PM onwards.

REKA:BAR is deemed as the most sustainable bar in Malaysia, where they make sure that every ingredient is used properly, nothing is discarded and anything that can be recycled, is recycled. 

“I found an affinity towards the sustainability angle of the whole operation at Reka:Bar, this resounded with my own sensibilities as a chef. We at Klap aspire to go zero-waste as far as possible. I also found the menu at Reka:Bar very eclectic and inspiring, so having them over for a bar takeover is likely to be an interesting and illuminating experience for us,” shared Chef Partner and Co-Founder, Gurmehar Sethi.

The bar is heralded by founder Giovanni Magliaro (ex. Mr Foggs London, Franks & Natalina Kuala Lumpur) and head bartender Joel Poon, (ex. Native and Other Room, top class Singapore speakeasies). They have been on a tour in Europe to the World Top 50 bars, and Southeast Asia with few of Asia’s top 50. Reka:Bar is on their way to be on next year’s Asia Top 50 with an aim to be among the World Top 50.

Both Giovanni and Joel have curated a thrilling and sustainable cocktail menu for the evening at Klap, using Bombay Sapphire. Aptly named, ‘The Domino Effect’, the menu showcases rich tropical flavours of pineapple, coconut, cocoa mango and passion fruit, with the hearty botanicals of a fine Gin like Bombay Sapphire.

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE is created with a unique combination of ten sustainably sourced botanicals from around the globe. Urban bistro by day, gastro bar by night, Klap hopes to contribute to a dramatic transformation in the local culinary scene, and ignite a new love for life. 

“There is no better time than now to have a collaboration with a bar of this stature along with a spirit like Bombay Sapphire, it is almost festive season and what better way to flag it off than with a venture like this? Going forward, our vision for Klap is to be among the top-notch urban bistros and bars of Asia and this is a step in that direction,” added Co-Founder Navdeep Sethi.

The restaurant offers 2 spacious floors and a fabulous terrace in Khan Market - itself one of the city’s iconic cultural melting pots, that brings together industrialists, intellectuals, and artists alike. 

Allied Blenders & Distillers (ABD) has made its debut in the Metaverse with the ABD MetaBar – an immersive virtual reality space housing digital displays of its leading offerings.

It’s the first alcohol beverage company in India to build a Metaverse presence. Visitors to the space can learn more about brands, watch exciting new content and discover key initiatives from the organization.

“At ABD, innovation is a core value that we look to keep at the forefront of everything we do. Our brands and initiatives will constantly lead change and with the ABD MetaBar we have taken a decisive step into the virtual immersive world of our consumers. We will actively seek to co-create and partner in this exciting space,” shared Shekhar Ramamurthy, Executive Deputy Chairman, ABD.

With its futuristic design, the ABD MetaBar, optimized for both mobile and desktop usage, taps into the growing interest in the Metaverse amongst consumers and their willingness to experiment with novel digital activations.

The ABD MetaBar can be experienced here - https://abdmetabar.com/

Moving forward, the ABD MetaBar will evolve to allow for interactions with users and serve as a gateway for curated online experiences across consumer interest areas of fun, design, music, gaming, and the performing arts.

The Canary, a London-inspired mead taproom showcasing modern British pub culture, opens up in Andheri West.

It is a part of Origin Restaurants - a hospitality startup focused on niche restaurants that showcase Origin’s radical craft meads - with BKC’s Vietnamese bistro Nho Saigon being the group’s first restaurant.

Focusing on new-age London cuisines and pub experiences, The Canary delivers a contemporary affair through its food, music, interiors and Origin’s meticulously developed, experimental, and supremely drinkable craft meads.

“After Nho Saigon, we wanted to showcase our meads alongside a more Western offering. A modern British restaurant came to mind as most ‘British pubs’ in Mumbai have little in common with what actual pubs in Britain are like, and to break the mindset of British food being cold and boring,” shared Shaurya, Co-Founder, Origin Restaurants.

The Canary is Mumbai’s first truly British restaurant serving classic British pub food and desserts, such as a rustic shepherd's pie, an accurate charred leg roast, and the strangely-named British custard “spotted dick”.

All of The Canary’s vegetarian options have been inspired by veganism and vegetarian restaurants in London, where the dietary choice has taken off enormously. The bar also features cocktails named after specific areas in London after careful research to find out the popular spirits and ingredients in those areas.

Six to several Origin meads are on tap at The Canary at any time, both mainstays like Geisha and Nektar and rotational taps like East Bombay Cartel (a salted guava mead). Two taps are slotted to Monkfish Ale, Origin’s small-batch beer company, while two guest taps feature beers or ciders by local breweries. These meads can also be devoured at their other nascent Vietnamese bistro, Nho Saigon at BKC. The meads are approximately priced at INR 300 for one pint.

This one-storey pub is designed to house 105 guests at a time. Its upbeat first floor features a stage for live events and pop music. The taproom also has its own curated playlist featuring bands from London’s underground scene, such as The Kooks, and globally-popular artists like The Arctic Monkeys.

The Canary’s outdoor area is the mead garden, a pet-friendly space in a minimal setting. The group also plans to develop this area into a platform for local and small business to showcase and have interesting ideas amalgamate at this very spot; a kind of mini flea market.

Xbar.Club is planning to invest USD 10 million for expansion which will be towards both company-owned and franchise outlets.

The expansion will take Xbar.club to prominent cities such as Lucknow, Goa, Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bangalore.

Xbar.Club has taken the night life of Delhi NCR by storm. Situated in Garden Galleria Mall, Sec-38, Noida is all set to transport its audience into the world of exhilaration. It is the largest club-restaurant that the NCR has seen.

 "The vision behind Xbar.Club is to give the audiences out there the best electric vibe club in town to dance their heart out. The theme of the outlet is such that it gives a proper party ambience for metallic music lovers, and our mission is to create a “One-of-a Preferred Entertainment Club” said Vivek Shrivastava, Founder, Xbar.Club.

With molecular drinks and gourmet food, the outlet is providing the best of both worlds.

Not only does Xbar wants to be the best Entertainment Club but wants to be a club restaurant experience that exceeds customers’ expectations by offering the highest levels of service, dining, and social activities in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.

Mumbai’s temperature is soaring up to 33° and with the temperatures taking a jump, we all start turning to ways to cool off - swimming, air conditioners, acai bowls and refreshing drinks, of course.

But as we are all confined to our homes due to the on-going pandemic, Drifters Breweries has launched new brews that suits to the soaring temperature.

Also Read: Drifters Breweries launches 2 Growler Stations in Mumbai

“We also do deliveries of Fresh Beer Growlers via our Growlers stations in entire Mumbai, Thane & Pune. Along with other 10 different varieties, these summer beers are available in growlers to deliver at doorstep,” shared Nayan Shah, Co-Founder at Drifters Breweries.

Drifters Breweries' summer lineup is headlined by refreshing summer beer. Curated especially to beat the heat, Drifters brings to you Red Drift IPA - Balancing the hop-forward flavours and the aromas of a caramel & malty body, fruity IPA, the RED IPA has a tropical fruit aroma with a hint of pineapple & passionfruit. The newest brew is low in bitterness & medium in carbonation & body. The energising and flavourful Mango Wit is a full bodied, creamy Wit brewed with a generous amount of ripe alphonso mangoes. It is made by using Ratnagiri Alphonso and Basmati blonde, which is made using 60% local basmati rice. Mango Wit is perfect and an energising flavour of summer. Another drink to surely tickle your tastebuds is Kokum Cider, an invigorating and easy to drink cider gives you a sweet fizzy punch; gentle cumin aroma, subtle taste with a hint of spices and helps to keep you cool this season.

"We use fresh Ratnagiri Alphonso Mango to make our Mango Wit beer. Everyone knows that Mangoes & Kokum both are ideal for summer and freshly available throughout summers only,” added Shah.

May Interest: Drifters Breweries launches their Tap Station at Bandra, Mumbai

The Drifters Growler Stations have both pickup and delivery services for beer enthusiasts to quench their thirst & fill up their Growlers routinely.

New Year may bring cheers to the restaurant business as restaurants and bars in the city may soon be allowed to serve liquor till 3 am.

According to the recommendations of an expert committee set up by Delhi government to suggest excise reforms are implemented, alcohol service in open spaces like terraces could also become easier.

Also Read: Restaurants in South Delhi can now serve in open air, rooftop

At present, restaurants and bars are allowed to serve liquor till 1am and only bars within star hotels are allowed to function 24x7.

The government panel has suggested that timings of bars in restaurants and clubs may be increased by two hours as in other metro cities and areas in NCR on payment of additional fees.

The report noted that there being no explicit provision for grant of licence in open areas, liquor service could be permitted in open spaces such as terraces, balconies or lower areas of restaurants, clubs and hotels.

These two suggestions are part of reforms suggested in changes in liquor trade in keeping with the changing stature of the national capital.

May Interest: Unlock 4.0: Bar owners pour happiness after Delhi govt announced re-opening

The committee’s report has also been put in the public domain for comments from both stakeholders and the public till January 21. The report will then be submitted to Delhi government after 24 days and a final decision taken by the cabinet. The approved recommendations will form a part of the excise policy for 2021-22.

The report also says that at present, the licence fee for restaurants holding a liquor permit was based on seat covers. The licence fee in premium areas like Khan Market or Connaught Place was the same as that in comparatively lower rental areas like northeast and outer Delhi. The committee advised a review of this system and the rationalisation of licence fee on the basis of area instead of seat covers.

“Times are tougher, and all we want is to bring back some laughter”, says Manish Sharma, Founder of Molecule.  This Pandemic has certainly affected our lives. With accepting the New Normal Molecule has adapted all the safety measures for customers safe experience but what set them apart is their approach.

Molecule has decided to offer its patrons the payback of 50% on the total bill in the form of 50 percent discount.

Also Read: Molecule is getting 50% revenue from biz after 8PM

The campaign EAT 100 % DRINK 100% PAY 50 % is an initiative to support each other during these tough times.

Diners at Molecule will be able to enjoy meals at half prices.

Apart from this exclusively designed initiative, Molecule ensures safe dining out by following all the necessary norms laid down to fight against Covid pandemic.

Must Read: (Newly Launched) Molecule Air Bar is Giving Contemporary Twists to Old Classics

“We are very particular about our cleaning processes and are cleaning, sanitizing & disinfecting our outlets and kitchens several times a day. We have also arranged disposable masks and good quality hand sanitizers for every outlet for the guests and staff at the outlets,” he added.

Hotels, restaurants and clubs in the national capital have been permitted to serve liquor from September 9, shared a statement released by the Delhi government.

The associations have to follow Covid-19 guidelines issued by the central government, added the statement.  

Also Read: Restaurant-owners focus on building back, focuses on safety and hygiene

Some key pointers from the SOP:

Bars in containment zones shall remain closed. Entry should be allowed to persons with face cover/mask.

Not more than 50% of the approved seating capacity shall be allowed inside the hotels/ restaurants/clubs so that social distancing norms may be maintained.

No standing customer shall be served by the hotel/ restaurants and clubs.

Adequate manpower should be deployed by the licensee for ensuring social distancing norms.

May Interest: Bengaluru Restaurants, bars allowed to open for dining, serve liquor

Posters/Standee/ AV media on preventive measures about Covid-19 to be displayed prominentaly.

The directive also mentioned that in case any violation of the above SOP is noticed by the inspection teams of District Disaster Management Authority/ Excise Dept, the owner of the establishment shall be proceeded against as per the provisions of section 51 to 60 of Disaster Management Act, 2005 besides legal action under section 188 of IPC. Further, prosecution shall also be launched against the GM/ manager of the premises, and the premises shall be sealed forthwith. Excise license of the establishment shall also be liable to be cancelled.

The Delhi Police has issued an advisory to all eateries, pubs and cafes in Connaught Place asking them to ensure that weapons are not allowed into their premises.

This was issued after an incident of accidental firing in one of popular coffee shop in the area. This was done in order to avoid any untoward incident; Connaught Place police station issued an advisory in this regard on Saturday to all the eateries, pubs, cafes and restaurants across the area.

This comes after a 61-year-old man was arrested Thursday after his pistol went off at a coffee shop in Connaught Place, creating panic. Anil Kumar, had come to the coffee shop for a meeting with his clients. When he stood up to leave, his pistol fell on the floor triggering it accidentally. However, no one was injured

“An advisory has been issued by the Station House Officer of Connaught Place police station to all the eateries in its area to strengthen the safety and security measures. They have been asked to not allow customers with firearms or concealed weapons,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi), Madhur Verma.

“The security of human life and property is our main concern and of utmost importance. In view of recent incident of an accidental fire from firearm by the customer at one of the eating houses located in the area of Connaught Place, you are hereby strictly advised to ensure that a board “All weapons including concealed firearms are prohibited” is displayed at prominent place in your establishment,” the advisory read.

The advisory also suggested security staff of these establishments should be briefed to have close watch on such suspects to prevent such an incident.