Bangalore Gets a Double Shot of CBD

Bangalore Gets a Double Shot of CBD

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 12, 2025

Bangalore’s love affair with great cocktails, bold flavours, and good times gets a stylish new address as CBD – Central Bar District, the city’s homegrown gastro-bar celebrated for its signature mixology and high-energy vibe, opens its second outlet in HAL, Bengaluru.

Set in one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, the launch drew Bangalore’s favourite faces who gathered to celebrate the next chapter of CBD’s journey. The brand, helmed by Ajit GS, Chef Gaurav Raghuvanshi, and Aman Dua under Crimson & Clover Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., continues to expand its growing portfolio which also includes Flo, Rasai, Café Del Sol, Bento Lab, Chat Chatore, and Curry Express.

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Building on the success of its flagship space on Church Street, the new HAL outlet brings a renewed sense of style, sophistication, and community. Designed as a seamless blend of comfort and energy, it’s a destination that fits perfectly for both weekday unwinds and weekend celebrations.

“The love and loyalty we’ve received since opening our first outlet have been nothing short of phenomenal,” said Ajit GS, Founder of Crimson & Clover Hospitality. “From regulars who turned into friends to first-timers who became fans, it’s this community that pushed us to grow. With HAL, we wanted to bring the same soul but add a new vibe that reflects the neighbourhood’s pulse. This is just the beginning of our vision to create a CBD in every district, each with its own distinct character.”

At the heart of the new outlet lies an inventive culinary and bar program that balances familiarity with experimentation. The food menu, curated by Chef Gaurav Raghuvanshi, celebrates Indian comfort food with creative flair, featuring crowd favourites like Truffle Chicken Sliders and Korean Chilli Prawns, alongside exclusives such as Smoked Ghee Roast Tacos, Charred Burrata Flatbread, and Tandoori Quail. From Sindhi Aloo Tuk and Butter Chicken Puff to Jackfruit Biryani, each dish tells a story of innovation and nostalgia.

The bar, meanwhile, is designed as a canvas of emotion and memory. Each cocktail at CBD HAL reimagines familiar flavours in unexpected ways, from the “Revised Rasam”, a clarified reinterpretation of a South Indian classic, to bold signature creations like Kantara, CBD Gudbad, Rain Water, and Noon in Doon.

“We wanted the new CBD to be a sensory experience where every visit feels fresh and immersive,” said Aman Dua, Co-Founder and Beverage Director. “Our bar menu evolves with the food, blending timeless favourites with seasonal limited-edition cocktails that reflect Bangalore’s dynamic palate.”

Spread across three levels, CBD HAL offers a layered experience. The ground floor creates an intimate atmosphere anchored by a brass-and-wood bar; the first floor opens to breezy outdoor nooks perfect for al fresco evenings framed by a majestic Ficus Bonsai tree; while the top floor pays homage to old Bengaluru through its thotti mane-inspired architecture, seamlessly merging nostalgia with modern comfort.

The interiors balance industrial chic and warmth, featuring murals that celebrate Bangalore’s culture and humour, exposed brick walls, soft lighting, and plush seating, all adding to the relaxed yet refined vibe.

With this launch, CBD – Central Bar District continues its mission of redefining urban nightlife, merging craftsmanship with community, taste with tempo, and indulgence with intent. As the city raises a toast once again, CBD HAL promises an experience where every sip, bite, and beat captures the spirit of Bangalore.


Lyla Bombay Launches Candlelight Singalong Wednesdays

Lyla Bombay Launches Candlelight Singalong Wednesdays

By Hariharan U

Published on April 27, 2026

Lyla Bombay marks its second anniversary with the launch of Candlelight Singalong Wednesdays, a weekly experience designed to transform midweek evenings into something more intimate and engaging.

Set in the heart of Bandra Kurla Complex, the concept reimagines the traditional dining experience by blending live music, shared moments, and ambient dining. As the evening unfolds, the space transitions into a candlelit setting where guests become part of the experience, blurring the lines between performer and audience.

Rather than a structured concert or karaoke format, the evening is designed to feel effortless and organic. Familiar songs, a relaxed atmosphere, and a sense of collective participation create an experience that is both lively and personal.

Complementing the ambiance is a curated menu featuring signature dishes such as Prawns Moilee, truffle mushroom risotto, and stuffed ravioli, offering a balance of comfort and indulgence. The culinary offering aligns with the overall experience—refined yet approachable.

The introduction of Candlelight Singalong Wednesdays is part of Lyla’s broader anniversary celebrations, which also include a refreshed globally inspired all-day menu and an expanded lineup of weekend experiences. Together, these initiatives reflect the brand’s evolving approach to experiential dining.

By combining music, mood, and cuisine, Lyla Bombay continues to position itself as a destination for immersive social experiences, where dining goes beyond the plate to create memorable, shared moments


Soraia Introduces New Summer Menu in Mumbai

Soraia Introduces New Summer Menu in Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 27, 2026

Soraia in Mumbai is welcoming the summer season with a new menu that brings together bold flavours and a thoughtfully designed dining experience. Alongside the menu, the restaurant’s signature glasshouse has been refreshed with a floral installation, creating a bright and relaxed setting for slow, easy afternoons.

Blending European finesse with Indian flavours, the menu focuses on dishes that feel both familiar and fresh. Some of the key highlights include Butter Chicken Neapolitana, Soraia Fire Chicken, Truffle Chicken Tikka, and the Tandoori Lamb Rack with Shiraz jus, each bringing a mix of comfort and creativity.

Adding a playful touch, the menu introduces a range of fusion crepes and tacos that are light yet indulgent. Dishes like the Dal Makhani & Truffle Naan Zinger and Chicken Tikka Masala Crepe stand out for their rich and layered flavours. The Mutton Sukka Taco brings in coastal spice, while the Tandoori Paneer & Pine Nut Crepe offers a balanced bite. Other options include Pao Bhaji Naan Zinger, Paneer Khurchan Kulcha Taco, Makhni Chicken Kulcha Taco, and Chicken Seekh Kebab Kulcha Taco.

For those looking for something lighter, the menu features refreshing salads and cold plates such as Shakarkandi Chaat, Avocado Chaat with Tamarind Glaze, and the Soraia Classic Caesar, keeping the flavours seasonal and easy.

The small plates section continues to focus on bold and shareable bites. Options like Crispy Thecha Potatoes, Chaat Bombs, Fire Roasted Corn Riblets, Konkani Kokum Prawns, and Ah’sam Paratha Ghee Roast Chicken are designed for casual, flavour-packed dining.

The mains bring together comfort and technique, with dishes like Prawn Balchao Linguine offering a strong Goan touch. The Soraia BBQ Grilled Chicken and Grilled Salmon with beurre blanc add a refined element, while the Soraia Lobster Roll with togarashi mayo in a housemade brioche brings in a touch of indulgence. Vegetarian dishes such as Nadru Makhni Pappardelle, Tofu Ghee Roast, and Veg Dhansak round out the selection.

Desserts continue the mix of nostalgia and indulgence, featuring Soraia Trifle, Skillet Crack Pie, Kulfi Baked Alaska, Rasmalai Tres Leches, and Tiramisu Bomboloni, offering something for every kind of sweet craving.

The new summer menu is now available at Soraia, bringing together food, design, and seasonal elements into one seamless experience.

  • What: Soraia’s New Summer Menu & Floral Glasshouse Experience
  • When: Throughout the Summer Season
  • Where: Soraia, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai

403 Forbidden Bar Hosts Chef Takeover with Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal

403 Forbidden Bar Hosts Chef Takeover with Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal

By Hariharan U

Published on April 26, 2026

403 Forbidden Bar is set to host a two-day Chef Takeover as part of its 403 OVERRIDE FIREWALL X series, featuring Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal on April 25 and 26.

Positioned as a high-intent, limited-period dining experience, the collaboration brings together two distinct culinary perspectives, blending heritage-driven narratives with contemporary interpretation. Designed as an immersive format, the takeover moves beyond conventional dining to present a structured and non-replicable culinary journey.

Chef Priyam Chatterjee, known for his progressive approach to modern Indian cuisine, brings a style shaped by classical technique and global exposure. His cooking focuses on elevating familiar flavours through precision and refined execution.

Chef Rishabh Seal complements this with a culinary philosophy rooted in cultural memory and subtle innovation, presenting dishes that balance regional influences with a contemporary lens.

Together, the chefs introduce a bespoke menu built around the theme “From Heritage to Haute Cuisine Reimagined”, where traditional flavours are reinterpreted using modern techniques. The experience unfolds as a layered, sensory journey, encouraging guests to engage with each course as part of a larger narrative.

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The culinary offering is paired with the bar’s technique-driven cocktail programme, where methods such as distillation, clarification, and infusion are used to create drinks that align closely with the menu, enhancing the overall experience.

Set within a space inspired by the concept of a digital 403 access denied code, the venue is designed to encourage guests to disconnect from external distractions and immerse themselves fully in the experience. From lighting and sound to service, every element is curated to create a cohesive and engaging environment.

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Speaking on the collaboration, Chef Priyam Chatterjee noted that the experience focuses on storytelling through food, presenting familiar flavours in a way that feels both intuitive and unexpected. Chef Rishabh Seal added that the menu aims to respect traditional roots while allowing flavours to evolve naturally.

Aman Dua, Co-Founder of 403 Forbidden Bar, highlighted that the series is designed as a platform for chefs with distinct culinary voices to engage with the space in a meaningful and immersive format.

With limited seating, the takeover offers a rare, experiential dining format, bringing together craft, creativity, and narrative-led cuisine in one of Bengaluru’s most conceptually distinctive venues.

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