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.


ButterBrews Opens New Café in Aundh with Coffee-First Experience

ButterBrews Opens New Café in Aundh with Coffee-First Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 7, 2026

ButterBrews has opened its new outlet in Aundh, marking its largest format café so far. The new space has been designed as an everyday destination, bringing together a comfortable layout, a strong all-day menu, and a clear focus on coffee.

The café has been planned with multiple zones to suit different preferences. It includes an indoor seating area, a non-smoking outdoor section with an amphitheatre-style setup, and a separate smoking zone placed away from the main space to ensure a smooth and relaxed experience for all guests.

The menu offers a premium all-day selection built around fresh ingredients. Guests can choose from breakfast options, healthy bowls, wholesome meals, and vegan dishes, making it suitable for different tastes and dining needs throughout the day.

Coffee continues to be at the heart of the ButterBrews experience. The café uses 100 percent Arabica beans and serves both house blends and manually brewed coffees. It also features guest roasters like Tulum Coffee Roasters and Ground Zero Coffee Roasters, adding variety to its coffee offerings.

Desserts and baked items are prepared in-house at ButterBrews’ bakehouse. Popular choices include the Basque cheesecake and cinnamon rolls, which have already become favourites among guests.

Commenting on the opening, Harsh Agarwal, Co-founder, ButterBrews, said, “ButterBrews, Aundh is our largest format cafe yet. We have built a stronger indoor experience and created clear zones across the cafe so guests can settle in the way they like. We want this to be an address people can count on through the week.”

Umang Bhimrajka, Co-founder, ButterBrews, added, “For us, coffee has always been non-negotiable. With 100 percent Arabica beans, house espresso coffees and manual brews that rotate speciality roasters, we are bringing a program that balances familiarity with discovery. Alongside that, the all-day menu and our bakehouse desserts complete the experience we want to offer Aundh.”


McDonald’s India Brings Back Limited-Edition Sipper with App-Exclusive Meals

McDonald’s India Brings Back Limited-Edition Sipper with App-Exclusive Meals

By Hariharan U

Published on April 7, 2026

McDonald's India – North and East has reintroduced its popular limited-edition Sipper, bringing back the fan-favourite collectible as part of its app-exclusive Super Sipper Meals. The offering follows strong customer demand earlier this year and is available for a limited time across select regions.

Accessible exclusively through the McDonald's App, the Super Sipper Meals can be ordered between 4 PM and 7 PM, adding an element of exclusivity and urgency for customers looking to grab the collectible while stocks last.

The meals are offered in two variants, catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences. The Veg option, includes a McAloo Tikki Burger, Medium Fries, Small Coke, and Pizza McPuff. The Non-Veg variant, features a McGrill Burger along with Medium Fries, Small Coke, and Pizza McPuff.

Commenting on the reintroduction, Rajeev Ranjan said the overwhelming response to the earlier launch highlighted customers’ interest in unique and engaging experiences. He added that the brand remains focused on delivering offerings that combine value, taste, and memorable moments.

Operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd., McDonald’s India – North and East continues to strengthen its presence with over 295 restaurants and 190+ McCafé outlets across the region. The brand’s latest offering reflects its ongoing effort to create experience-led promotions that go beyond traditional value meals.

By combining everyday favourites with collectible merchandise, the reintroduced Sipper campaign aims to enhance customer engagement while driving digital adoption through its app ecosystem.


Ambience Mall Gurugram Welcomes CoCo Ichibanya to Its Dining Line-Up

Ambience Mall Gurugram Welcomes CoCo Ichibanya to Its Dining Line-Up

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 7, 2026

CoCo Ichibanya has opened its new outlet at Ambience Mall Gurugram, adding a global flavour to the mall’s growing food and beverage offerings. Located on the third floor, the restaurant spans around 3,000 sq. ft. and can accommodate up to 52 guests.

Founded in 1978 in Japan, CoCo Ichibanya is known as one of the world’s largest Japanese curry chains. The brand is popular for its curry-and-rice dishes, offering a mix of consistency and customisation, allowing diners to personalise their meals based on taste and preference.

The launch is part of Ambience Mall Gurugram’s ongoing effort to strengthen its dining portfolio by bringing in well-known international brands. With this addition, the mall continues to expand its options, offering both everyday dining choices and unique global experiences to visitors.

Speaking on the occasion, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said, “Consumer preferences today are evolving towards experiences that feel both authentic and globally relevant. CoCo Ichibanya brings a strong international identity along with an offering that is approachable and versatile. At Ambience Mall, our focus remains on curating a balanced and contemporary mix, and this addition further strengthens that direction.”

With the opening of CoCo Ichibanya, Ambience Mall Gurugram further builds its position as a destination that blends retail with curated dining and lifestyle experiences, catering to a modern and globally aware audience.

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