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Mint
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
The secret sauce of an award-winning bar
"The people come back not just for the drinks but for the soul of the place and the warmth of the people running it. Kindness and genuine human connection are at the heart of building lasting relationships with our guests," said Lorenzo Antinori to me last year, soon after his new bar, Bar Leone, in Hong Kong, made a record-breaking debut on the list of Asia's 50 Best Bars, earning a trio of trophies: The Best Bar in Hong Kong, the Highest New Entry Award and The Best Bar in Asia 2024. And just last week, Bar Leone was once again crowned Asia's top bar at the glitzy 2025 ceremony held in Macau. Witnessing the ceremony live for the third time and having made rounds of countless bars across the world got me thinking about what makes for an award-winning bar and what people are really looking for. This year, India shone at the ceremony, with nine spots, a record number of bars, on the list. Five claimed ranks on the top 50 list: New Delhi's Lair (No.8), Bengaluru's Soka (No.28), ZLB (No.31) and Bar Spirit Forward (No.37) and Goa's Boilermaker (No.30) and four others: Bar Outrigger (Goa), Sidecar (New Delhi), The Bombay Canteen (Mumbai) and Hideaway (Goa) were on the 51-100 list. India's representation on the 2025 list outweighed traditional heavyweights like South Korea, which had eight bars on the 1-100 list this year. 'Just looking at the representation on this list will tell you where we're heading," Avinash Kapoli, Soka co-founder, told me at the ceremony. Kapoli doesn't judge a bar only by its drinks—that should 'be balanced and have repeat value"—but also, by its hospitality. 'Bars are where people come to unwind after a long day. If you bore them with the technicalities of how a drink is made, it's no fun." In an increasingly competitive F&B world where good drinks are the bare minimum at a bar, drinking establishments are setting themselves apart in other, softer ways that go beyond clarifying and fat washing cocktails. At New Delhi's Lair, crowned India's best bar, the staff goes out of their way to make single women getting a drink by themselves feel comfortable, by care and consideration, excellent cocktails and attentive service that keeps an eye out for unwanted attention. At Goa's Boilermaker, I've been saved from a hangover thanks to the team's training and eagerness to serve all customers water as soon as they sit down and in between cocktail orders. This teensy touch that goes a long way in making a customer feel taken care of and ensuring the vibe at the bar doesn't get too rowdy. Boilermaker's Pankaj Balachandran believes that cocktails, while important, are the least important aspect of a bar. 'When we build our beverage programmes, we're looking at the music, the energy, the camaraderie between bartenders, the ability for the folks behind the bar to churn out drinks quickly. The most important denominator in a bar is that you are a great drinking destination with a great vibe," he says, while telling me how jokes between the team are often practised in advance so they land well on a busy night. 'Bartenders are supposed to be charming, and sometimes, it takes some practice to get there," he says. Hospitality goes a long way in making a customer comfortable but it should extend to the team as well. Abhishek Tuladhar of Kathmandu's Barc, the winner of the Michter's Art of Hospitality Award at this year's ceremony in Macau, explained that the true longevity of a bar comes from the team. 'Only if your team is happy and inspired to be there night after night can that extend into your drinks and hospitality. My number one advice to bartenders? Take care of your teams." While hospitality, personality and vibe are important, it falls flat when it feels inauthentic. Per Jen Queen of Hong Kong's vibey Pontiac, says if a bar feels like it's trying to be something it's not, the customer can feel it. At the Pontiac, rock and roll blasts from the jukebox and dancing on tables is actively encouraged—Pontiac's deliberately grunge aesthetic makes it a unique place to let your hair down amid Hong Kong's upscale cocktail scene. Authenticity is also closely connected to a bar's concept. At Fura in Singapore, which won Asia's Most Sustainable Bar Award last year, sustainability is baked into every aspect of the bar. With thoughtful takes on the use of insects, invasive or abundant plant species, and fermentation in their creations, to their active participation in the local community to promote sustainability, Fura aims to make sustainable dining and drinking enjoyable, accessible, and approachable. And then there are those bars that transport you, with their sense of place. Bar Leone does just that. An homage to Italian pop culture, it draws from owner Lorenzo Antinori's Roman roots with design elements of Italian cinema, music, football, and cheeky nods to cultural pillars like religion. Step into the buzzy bar that serves up a mean mortadella focaccia and a deliciously savoury Olive Oil Sour, and you'll find yourself instantly transported to a neighbourhood bar in Rome. You'll feel a similar sense of place at Montana, Antinori's new bar in Hong Kong that is a tribute to the Miami dive bar, as well as Boilermaker, where Goa's laidback vibe translates into a fun night out and Soka, where local Bengaluru flavours meet new-age tastes. At the end of the day, what truly makes an award-winning bar is its ability to create a memorable experience that resonates deeply with its guests. Bars that prioritise kindness, attentiveness, and authenticity, while staying true to their vision, stand out in a crowded world of trends. As the global stage recognises the best in hospitality and craftsmanship, the common thread remains clear: it's the heart and soul poured into the space that earns lasting loyalty and, quite often, recognition. Word of Mouth is a monthly column on dining out and dining well. Smitha Menon is a food journalist and the host of the Big Food Energy podcast. She posts @ on Instagram
The Hindu
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Five Indian bars have made it to Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025. Is Indian mixology on the rise?
This year five Indian bars have made it to Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025. Released on July 15 in Macau, the list features New Delhi's Lair among its top-10 bars. But to anyone who has been paying attention to the country's rapidly evolving cocktail culture, this is no surprise. With cutting-edge cocktail programmes, sleek interiors and menus that champion local ingredients, there has been a conscious effort to elevate Indian bars, by balancing between global trends and local flavours. The list (long-list included) has three bars from Bengaluru, two each from Goa and Delhi, and one from Mumbai. We speak to the people behind these bars, to find out their winning formula. Indian bars that feature on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 list 8. Lair, New Delhi 28. Soka, Bengaluru 30. Boilermaker, Goa 31. ZLB23, Bengaluru 37. Bar Spirit Forward, Bengaluru The bars on the long list 62. Sidecar, New Delhi 69. The Bombay Canteen, Mumbai 94. Hideaway, Goa Technique meets design Delhi's Lair, which takes the eighth spot on the list, also won the Best Bar in India 2025 award by Asia's 50 Best Bars. Its cocktails are inventive, and its ambience minimalist and edgy. On the official 50 Best website, Lair is described as a sleek hidden retreat. 'The menu, divided into three levels — beginners, intermediate, and superior — guides patrons through a journey of flavour complexity. Signature cocktails include the Blueberry Cheesecake, infused with blueberry and cream liqueur, and the Mountain Breeze, inspired by the Himalayas, with regional infusions. Don't let the extensive menu scare you, the friendly bartenders go out of their way to listen to preferences and suggest drinks suited to your taste and mood.' The bar is designed in shades of black and grey, and the design aesthetic is almost Brutalist. Founder and managing director Jairaj Singh Solanki says, 'We went with a unique design, monochrome concept. It feels like you are inside a cave. Lights are dim and we have spotlights on the tables. Colours are on the plates and drinks.' Delhi-based architecture and interior-design studio Renesa is the creative force behind the decor. Back to basics Boilermaker in Goa is a new entry on the list, coming in at 30. The bar was founded in late 2024 by Nakul Bhonsle, a craft beer entrepreneur and Pankaj Balachandran, a mixologist. 'India's bartending community is stronger than ever. The quality of our bars continues to rise, and the industry is evolving. A few years ago, I said this was the best time to be part of this space — and this year proves that statement truer than ever. We're not just growing; we're thriving,' Pankaj says. So what makes this bar in Siolim click? 'Boilermaker is bringing back what a bar should be — unpretentious, laid-back, and full of soul. A true dive bar atmosphere where the priority is simple: good drinks, good times, and great people. At its heart, Boilermaker celebrates the classic shot-and-beer combo — no frills, just fun. But it is more than that. Walking in feels like stepping into a friend's house party, where everyone is welcome and the vibe is effortless,' says Pankaj. The drinks pay homage to Goa with Biso Manana Karamel, a twist on an Old Fashioned made with overripe Moira bananas and local feni. The food too has Goan touches, with tambdi bhaji sourdough melts and balchão stuffed pickled cucumbers. The Asia's Best Bar official website says, 'Everything about Boilermaker is carefully considered, but the feeling you get is one of a remarkably relaxed place that's made to hang out with your gang. It's a refreshing change as well as a reminder of that local flavour that defines Goa.' Modern meets local ZLB23 in The Leela Palace Bengaluru ranks 31 on the list. The Kyoto-inspired bar has chic, vintage decor and skilled mixologists that shake up Prohibition era cocktails like Tokyo Bees Knees, Japanese Old Fashioned, and Bootlegger. The interiors make you feel like you could be in New York or London. 'ZLB has carved a unique identity by blending theatrical storytelling with innovative cocktails and deeply personalised service. It is not just a bar but an immersive experience,' says Madhav Sehgal, area vice president, (operations south & Head of Sales – South India, The Leela Palace Hotels and Resorts. ZLB23 has invited more than 50 international and domestic bar takeovers in the past few years, making its presence felt on the global stage. At the same time, the bar is also honouring its roots. Madhav says, 'Our newest 'Native' section is a tribute to the soil we stand upon, drawn from Bengaluru's heartland, and crafted with ingredients that belong to these roots. For example, the drink Fire and Water is made with bhajji chilli, Coco Fizz uses tender coconut water and annanas has local rani pineapples.' Asia's 50 Best Bars describes ZLB23 as 'A stroll down a winding garden path, a trot through a bustling hotel kitchen and a short ride in a service lift: this brief journey, albeit confounding, is well worth it.' Tending to the bar 'This is one of the greatest times to be part of the Indian bar community,' says Arijit Bose, founder of Bengaluru-based Bar Spirit Forward, that is listed at number 37. 'A bustling bar with a fun, boisterous crew manning the counters, Bar Spirit Forward is built for cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate craft, clarity, and context in their drinks. With a rich backstory led by industry veterans, including Arijit Bose, formerly of Countertop India and the team behind Goa's Tesouro, ranked No.4 in Asia's 50 Best Bars 2022, it focuses on creating a buzzy atmosphere that is punctuated by technically sound cocktails,' says the award list about this bar in the heart of the city. Perhaps because Arijit is a veteran in the industry, he knows it is the bartenders who make the bar work. Arijit says, 'If closely examined, bartender-lead-and-owned bars are making a splash, which was always the key to building a good bar. To cite a few examples, Goa's Hideaway, with Sheldon Abranches and Aditya Tribhuvan; Delhi's Sidecar, with Yangdup Lama and Minakshi Singh; Bengaluru's Soka, with Avinash Kapoli and Sombir Choudhary; Lair, with Navjot Singh at its helm — are all run by people who care about the business and craft. This will spur more people to open bartender lead programmes and venues similar to NYC, London, Thailand, Singapore or Tokyo.' The long list features three Indian bars Sidecar in New Delhi came in at number 62. Founder Yangdup Lama, who won the Roku Industry Icon award last year, says, 'With the inclusion of many Indian bars, the list puts a lot of attention on India.' What makes Sidecar stand out? 'I would say it is purely the focus — on not just awards, but on what's in the glass,' he says. The 94th spot went to Hideaway in Goa. Nathaniel da Costa, partner, says, 'It is an incredible feeling to be amongst some of the best bars in Asia and the world. At Hideaway, the main focus is on the customer experience and that is multifold, through our drinks, our food, the music, whether live or through our playlists and the interactions with our staff. As soon as you walk in, you know you're at a bar unlike any other.' The Bombay Canteen clinched the 69th position. 'This is a landmark moment for India's bar community,' says Yash Bhanage, founder and COO. 'Our bar evolves with a menu that explores regional Indian ingredients and craft spirits, always designed to feel in sync with the overall dining experience. But at the same time, it holds its own, whether you are just here for a cocktail at the bar or sipping one alongside a meal, the drinks are meant to engage, surprise, and delight.' Capturing the spirit of the city With three bars from Bengaluru on the list, there must be something the city is getting right. From being called the pub capital and the brewery capital, it may now be the craft cocktail capital of India. It is this spirit that Soka (number 28) captures just right. 'Bengaluru loves to chill. Our drinks try to do the same,' says Avinash Kapoli, the co-founder. 'They are inventive without being pretentious, familiar without being boring. Whether it is a reimagined filter coffee cocktail for our fragrance-paired menu or a highball with local ingredients, we build drinks the way this city lives. curious, complex, a little rebellious, and always laid-back.' He says their bar programme is technical, but also human. The drinks are a tribute to old Bengaluru: Black Cadillac is named after an old pub on MG Road and Cheese Cherry Pineapple is an ode to a bar snack at Downtown Pub. 'We didn't build SOKA to follow a template. We built it to feel. Just damn good drinks, super snacks, honest hospitality, and a team that shows up every single night with heart.' With inputs from Prabalika M. Borah and Priyamedha Dutta
Hindustan Times
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Delhi's Lair named best bar in India; four other Indian bars featured in Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 list
From banana-infused tequila to cocktails with edible paint, these Indian bars aren't just mixing drinks, they're shaking up Asia's drinking culture. When Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 list was unveiled in Macau this week, all eyes were on the continent's rising stars in the cocktail world. The top spot went to Hong Kong's Bar Leone, a Negroni-first bar with serious Italian flair. But for Indian drinkers and global mixology fans alike, the real buzz came from back home where 5 Indian bars cracked the Top 50, each one bringing a bold, local flavour to the global stage. Here's a look at them. Coorg Highball from Lair, Delhi; Let's Paloma from SOKA, Bengaluru Lair, New Delhi (#8) From a speakeasy tucked inside Vasant Vihar comes the country's most hyped cocktail destination. Lair isn't just about stylish design (think monochrome concrete and sharp glass cuts), it's about drink innovation that has the rest of Asia watching closely. Founders Jairaj Singh Solanki and Dhruv Raj Vij conceptualised Lair in 2019, survived the pandemic, and turned it into a full-blown trendsetter by 2025. Ever seen edible paint on glassware? Or tasted a Picante before it was cool? That's Lair's legacy. It's the kind of place where cocktails are concept art, not just concoctions. SOKA, Bengaluru (#28) Hidden away in a snug 38-seater space with leather couches and Goan art installations, SOKA takes a poetic approach to cocktails. Its one-page menu is deceptively simple, because the storytelling happens in your glass. Helmed by the team behind Jamming Goat in Goa, Chef Sombir Choudhary and bartender Avinash Kapoli, envision SOKA showcases the city's stories and secrets to both longtime residents and new entrants through an assortment of story-centric cocktails. Think clarified jasmine, sous-vided bananas, and a piquant tequila cocktail named Mofo Don that glows pink thanks to red cabbage juice from a vendor in Russell Market. This is not your average pub, it's Bangalore, bottled. Boilermaker, Goa (#30) At Boilermaker, Goa's craft beer and cocktail powerhouses collide to create a bar that's industrial in vibe but pure soul in its pours. Co-founded by Pankaj Balachandran and Nakul Bhonsle, this joint is part welder, part wizard. The drink menu is split into Smashables, Sessionables, and Shorties — each one more fun than the last. Try Papa Issues, a riot of rum, papaya, and Sichuan pepper. Or Chotu Garibaldi, a short but deadly mix of Campari and fresh orange. Who needs a story when the flavour slaps this hard? ZLB23 at The Leela Palace, Bengaluru (#31) ZLB23 is part Prohibition-era New York, part Kyoto minimalism, and all heart. Hidden behind a secret door at The Leela Palace, this ultra-chic bar serves Shiso Negronis, smoky Old-Fashioneds, and a heady dose of live jazz. Every sip here feels like a secret well kept, and that's the point. Whether it's a moody jazz night or a global bar takeover, ZLB23 brings intimacy and intrigue back to Bengaluru nightlife. Spirit Forward, Bengaluru (#37) This Lavelle Road stunner is the kind of place where ice cubes get stamped, olives are blue cheese-stuffed, and the gin martini is prediluted and poured icy from the bottle. Spirit Forward was crafted by longtime F&B insiders with a knack for magic behind the bar. The Southern Star, their tequila-based crowd-favourite, is fermented with guava, plum, and jalapeno for 36 hours before being shaken to silken perfection. One sip and you'll understand why this bar just raced into the global spotlight. The ones that just missed the cut The excitement didn't stop at 50. Four more Indian bars made it to the extended 51–100 list: Goa's Bar Outrigger (#55), Delhi's beloved Sidecar (#62), Mumbai's legendary Bombay Canteen (#69), and Hideaway in Goa (#94). So whether you're beach-bound or city-hopping, this year's Asia's 50 Best Bars proves one thing — India isn't just catching up to the cocktail world, it's raising the bar, quite literally.
India Today
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
5 Indian bars make it to Asia's 50 Best list
It's happy hours in India as the bars have been raised, IRL! A total of five bars from across the nation have secured spots in the coveted Asia's 50 Best Bars list. India has also stirred its way up into the top 10 (glass clink!).From experimental mixology to intimate speakeasies, the country's cocktail game has officially found a place on the global map. The '50 Best' is a leading organisation in global gastronomy and the international drinks' scene, recognising worldwide trends and talent. This year, bars from Delhi, Bengaluru, and Goa made the bars in Asia's 50 Best Bars ListadvertisementFrom India, Lair in New Delhi has been crowned 'The Best Bar in India.'Lair, Delhi - 8th positionSoka, Bengaluru - 28th positionBoilermaker, Goa - 30th positionZLB23, Bengaluru - 31st positionBar Spirit Forward, Bengaluru - 37th positionLocated in New Delhi, Lair is regarded as a modern speakeasy with a menu divided into three levels -beginners, intermediate, and superior. Signature cocktails include the Blueberry Cheesecake, infused with blueberry and cream liqueur, and the Mountain Breeze, inspired by the Himalayas and crafted with regional located inside The Leela Palace Bengaluru, jumped nine spots this year. With velvet curtains and crystal chandeliers setting the tone, the bar serves creative cocktails and boasts a collection of "hard-to-find" whiskeys and premium spirits from around the Boilermaker and Bar Spirit Forward made their debut and how!The Goan bar Boilermaker celebrates the region's craft beer with a twist of overripe Moira bananas and local feni. Meanwhile Soka features spicy tequila concoctions, cilantro-sprinkled rims, and other exotic elements. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BOILERMAKER (@ annual ranking is based on the votes of the Asia's 50 Best Bars Academy, comprising the most knowledgeable and travelled members ofthe bar industry, drinks media and mixology experts from across Asia, according to their the organisation also released an extended list from 51st to 100. It also included four Indian bars.55th: Bar Outrigger, Goa62nd: Sidecar, New Delhi69th: The Bombay Canteen, Mumbai94th: Hideaway, GoaThe cocktail scene in India is growing. There is a rise of homegrown spirits, regional ingredients and menus that not just sell drinks but share narratives. It highlights the bold new chapter in the book of Indian mixology. It is no longer limited to imitating international trends but more about curating signature recipes and how.- Ends
The Hindu
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Here are the five Indian bars on the Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 list
The list for Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 was announced at an awards ceremony in Macau on July 15. Hong Kong's Bar Leone was awarded the number one spot on the list. Five Indian bars made the cut. New Delhi's Lair came in at number eight. Three Bengaluru-based bars are part of the list. Soka in on number 28, ZLB 23 at number 31, and Bar Spirit Forward at number 37. Goa-based Boilermaker is on number 30. Lair also won The Best Bar in India 2025 award, sponsored by Matusalem. The official website describes Lair as, 'A modern speakeasy inspired by secretive 1920s prohibition-era bars, where moonshine and craftsmanship reigned supreme. Signature cocktails include the Blueberry Cheesecake, infused with blueberry and cream liqueur, and the Mountain Breeze, inspired by the Himalayas with regional infusions. Don't let the extensive menu scare you off, the friendly bartenders go out of their way to listen to preferences and carefully suggest a drink suited to your taste and mood.' The long list for Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 was announced two weeks ago. And on that Sidecar in Delhi was on 62, The Bombay Canteen in Mumbai at 69, and Goa's Hideaway at 94.
