ABD Revolutionizes Whisky Packaging with Trendy 'Hippy' Design

ABD Revolutionizes Whisky Packaging with Trendy 'Hippy' Design

By Author

Published on November 14, 2023

Allied Blenders and Distillers Limited (ABD) is making waves in the whisky segment with its innovative approach to packaging. The company has unveiled a stylish and trendy 180ML pack named 'Hippy,' a contemporary reimagination of the traditional 180ml SKU, commonly known as the 'quarter.'

ABD, known for its commitment to constant innovation, introduces the Hippy as a consumer-centric offering, aiming to broaden the occasions where consumers can engage with the brand. The sleek and stylish design of the Hippy pack enhances its appeal across all age groups, marking a departure from the conventional 'brown-bag syndrome' associated with the humble 'quarter' or 'pau-a.'

Alok Gupta, Managing Director of ABD, expresses the company's dedication to innovation. "Constantly Innovating is one of ABD’s core values. The Hippy is a great example of this core value brought alive on the back of consumer-centric thinking. It is an offering that allows for widening the occasions where consumers can engage with our brand on account of its style quotient and mobile form factor."

Bikram Basu, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at ABD, emphasizes the liberation that the Hippy brings to alcobev consumers. "For long, alcobev consumers have suffered from the ‘brown-bag syndrome’ where they would be hesitant to be seen with their humble ‘quarter’ or ‘pau-a’. The Hippy allows consumers to break free of inhibitions and flaunt their Sterling Reserve BX Whisky."

The Hippy is currently available in select regions, including Maharashtra, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Daman, and Tripura, presenting consumers with a modern and stylish option to enjoy their semi-premium whisky. As ABD continues to prioritize consumer satisfaction and innovation, the Hippy stands as a testament to their commitment to redefining the whisky experience.


Punjab Grill Expands Footprint with 57th Outlet in Thane

Punjab Grill Expands Footprint with 57th Outlet in Thane

By Hariharan U

Published on January 9, 2026

Punjab Grill, the flagship North Indian dining brand from Lite Bite Foods, has marked a new milestone with the opening of its 57th outlet at Lakeshore, Viviana Mall, Thane. The launch reinforces the brand’s steady expansion across key urban markets while bringing its heritage-driven culinary offering closer to diners in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

The newly opened restaurant reflects Punjab Grill’s signature design language, an elegant blend of warmth, nostalgia, and modern sophistication. Thoughtfully curated interiors and a welcoming ambience create a versatile dining environment suited for family gatherings, business lunches, and celebratory occasions.

Staying true to its culinary philosophy, the menu showcases Punjab Grill’s well-known repertoire inspired by the royal kitchens of undivided Punjab, age-old recipes, and the region’s vibrant food culture. Guests can expect robust flavours, slow-cooked preparations, and meticulously crafted dishes that balance authenticity with contemporary presentation.

Commenting on the launch, Rohit Aggarwal, Founder and Managing Director, Lite Bite Foods, said, “Thane has emerged as a dynamic dining destination with an audience that values quality, legacy, and innovation. With our 57th outlet at Viviana Mall, we aim to address this growing demand by offering an immersive dining experience that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of North India.”

With this addition, Punjab Grill continues to strengthen its nationwide presence, reaffirming its commitment to celebrating heritage-led cuisine while evolving with modern dining preferences. The Thane outlet represents the brand’s focus on expanding into high-footfall urban centres with a strong appetite for premium dining experiences.


Romanos at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Launches Formaggi d’Italia: A Cheese-Centric Culinary Experience

Romanos at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Launches Formaggi d’Italia: A Cheese-Centric Culinary Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on January 8, 2026

Romanos, the city’s premier destination for authentic Italian cuisine at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, is set to unveil Formaggi d’Italia, a refined, cheese-led culinary experience. Launching on 7th January 2026, the showcase celebrates Italian cheese through craftsmanship, storytelling, and interactive dining.

Inspired by Italy’s regional cheese culture, Formaggi d’Italia begins with an artisanal cheese board featuring Bocconcini, Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, pine nut-crusted goat cheese, Pecorino, and Provolone, paired with pecan nuts, JW herb crackers, and mostarda.

Guests can then indulge in a range of cheese-forward pastas including Four Root Cheese Gnocchi with Brie, Fettuccine Quattro Formaggi, and Tortellini alla Fonduta. The experience continues with comforting mains such as Chicken Parmigiana and Spinach Ricotta Lasagna with Brie, and concludes with classic Italian desserts like Tiramisu and Sicilian Cannoli filled with Ricotta.

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“Formaggi d’Italia brings together craftsmanship, indulgence, and storytelling,” said a spokesperson for Romanos. “It reaffirms Romanos as a destination where authentic Italian flavours are elevated through immersive, experience-led dining.”

About JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar
JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar combines elegance and sophistication, conveniently located near Mumbai’s international and domestic airports. The hotel features 588 spacious rooms, world-class dining including Romanos, JW Café, BarQat, and AUTM – JW Lounge, as well as 95,781 sq.ft. of convention spaces, and Spa by JW, Asia Pacific’s first, offering holistic wellness therapies.

For more details, visit www.jwmumbai.com.

About Marriott International
Marriott International operates nearly 9,500 properties in 144 countries under 30+ brands. Marriott Bonvoy® offers a highly awarded travel platform. For the latest news, visit Marriott News Center or follow @MarriottIntl on social media.


Woodside Inn Opens Second Outpost in Bengaluru, Bringing Mumbai’s Beloved Gastropub Culture

Woodside Inn Opens Second Outpost in Bengaluru, Bringing Mumbai’s Beloved Gastropub Culture

By Hariharan U

Published on January 7, 2026

Woodside Inn, Mumbai’s pioneering gastropub, has opened its second home in Indiranagar, Bengaluru, bringing its celebrated pub culture, hearty menu, and relaxed spirit to one of the city’s most dynamic dining districts.

Spanning 2,800 sq. ft. across two floors with a balcony extension, the Bengaluru outpost balances nostalgic charm with local vibrancy. Interiors feature light wood tones, hand-laid interlocking floors, communal tables, and bespoke frames celebrating Bengaluru’s legendary pubs. Large arched bay windows overlook a rain tree, while a carefully curated playlist ties the ambience together.

At the heart of the experience is beer. Fourteen taps feature selections from Bengaluru breweries like Toit, Geist, Red Rhino, and Mannheim, alongside classics like Kingfisher and Heineken. Signature freezer-door cocktails, served at minus five degrees Celsius, ensure each drink is chilled perfectly without dilution, offering crisp, balanced flavours.

Food at Woodside Inn Bengaluru celebrates comfort with refinement. A charcoal-fired live grill brings rustic flavours to dishes like Grilled Harissa Chicken Skewers and Citrus Paprika Chicken. The menu spans bar nibbles, small plates, signature burgers, pizzas, pastas, and mains such as Trio Mushroom Risotto, Steak Frites, and Grilled Rawas with Lemon Caper Beurre Blanc. Desserts include the Flourless Belgian Chocolate Torte.

The iconic Beer & Burger Festival, India’s long-running F&B celebration, also makes its Bengaluru debut, promising new flavours and fresh pairings for enthusiasts.

Speaking about the launch, Co-Founder Pankil Shah said, “Bengaluru is the OG pub capital of India. We’re not here to lead the community, just to be part of it. Our goal is to create a welcoming space where good beer, good food, and good company come together.”

Founded in 2007 in Colaba, Mumbai, Woodside Inn has grown to outposts in Bandra, Colaba, and Andheri. Known for its live music sessions, signature beers, and the Beer & Burger Festival, the brand brings 18 years of Mumbai pub culture to Bengaluru while tuning into the city’s love for craft beer and neighbourhood hospitality.

Address: 35, 80 Feet Rd, HAL 3rd Stage, New Tippasandra, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560075
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodsideblr/

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