In a rare cross-cultural collaboration, ZLB23 at The Leela Palace Bengaluru is set to host Bar Kiez for a one-night-only bar takeover on April 16, 2026.

Bringing one of Seoul’s most exciting new cocktail voices to India for the very first time, the evening is presented in partnership with Malfy Gin. The event promises a refined exchange of global mixology, blending Korean sensibilities with European precision.

Bar Kiez, a discreet underground cocktail den in Cheongdam, opened in early 2025 and has quickly gained attention for its distinctive identity. The space combines mid-century Japanese aesthetics with Bauhaus influences, creating an atmosphere that is both understated and intentional.

At the centre of the experience is Dongyeol Shin, also known as Don, who will take over the bar at ZLB23 for the evening. His journey includes training at Le Lion, one of Germany’s most respected cocktail institutions, before returning to Seoul to establish his own bar.

Guests can expect a curated menu of Kiez signatures, each reflecting Don’s nuanced approach to flavour. Highlights include Girl Next Door, a playful mix of strawberry yogurt-infused gin with peach and basil; Toh-Mah-Toh, a savoury blend of vodka, tomato, and dill; Mi-So Sexy, layering cognac with Korean miso and tonka bean; and Rice & Shine, combining coconut, scorched rice, and whisky for a warm, textured finish.

The collaboration finds a natural home at ZLB23, a Kyoto-style speakeasy known for its meticulous cocktail programme and immersive setting. Hidden within Zia’s Garden, the bar has earned recognition among Asia’s 50 Best Bars and was named Best Bar in India in 2024, making it a fitting stage for global bar takeovers of this calibre.

For one evening, the essence of Cheongdam’s underground cocktail culture travels to Bengaluru, offering guests an experience that is both intimate and globally inspired—where every drink tells a story of craft, culture, and connection.