Drink Up the Bombay Vibe: A Peek Inside the Iconic Canteen Cocktail Book!

Drink Up the Bombay Vibe: A Peek Inside the Iconic Canteen Cocktail Book!

By Author

Published on October 22, 2023

Just when you thought The Bombay Canteen had spilled all its beans, out pops the fifth Canteen Cocktail Book, audaciously titled ‘Make Mine A Bombay’. Now, if that doesn't spark a grin wider than the Queen’s Necklace at night, what will?

A sipster (yeah, we just coined that, you’re welcome) who swaggered into the canteen recounted, “They’re like the Willy Wonka of cocktails but less creepy and more intoxicating.” The mischievous glint in Yash Bhanage and Sameer Seth's eyes can’t be mistaken. They’re the sorcerers brewing up the city in a glass, with stories taller than the Rajabai Tower, and flavors as zesty as a monsoon evening at Marine Drive.

One review, scribbled with evident enthusiasm, praised the Phool, a gin spritzer with Umeshu and a playful marigold soda that “hugged the taste buds like the cosy, inviting chaos of Dadar’s flower market.” Another patron, clearly a connoisseur of stronger spirits, was mesmerized by The Verdict, “A cocktail so stiff, it could make the town's statues blush. Yet, the banana sherry and dark rum made it a solace after a long day, not just a beverage.”

‘Make Mine A Bombay’ is as much an experience as it is a cocktail menu. Bar Head Prantik Haldar, with the panache of a seasoned poet, paints portraits of Bombay with his mixtures. There’s the Paparazzi, a sweet and savory vodka concoction with the pizzazz of Bollywood’s flashbulbs, and the Rear View, a tequila masterpiece that has the echo of monsoon rains pelting against the city's iconic ‘kaali-peeli’ taxis.

The ambience? It’s where the timeless charm of old Bombay waltzes with the vibrant energy of the new city. Every corner, every concoction is a nostalgic journey down the gallis of Bombay, yet each sip is as fresh as the city's first monsoon showers. Prices, starting at ₹675, might make you raise an eyebrow but believe us, every sip is akin to taking a joyride down Marine Drive with the wind in your hair.

Though our taste buds might be partial to the eclectic mixtures of flavors, the real triumph of The Bombay Canteen lies in its adept juggling of nostalgia and innovation. The Canteen Cocktail Book isn’t just a menu; it’s a passport to the city, from the languid laps of the Arabian Sea to the buzzing gullies of Mohammed Ali Road.

If Bombay was a drink, it would undoubtedly be served at The Bombay Canteen. In the warm, ambient glow of the restaurant, every clink of the glasses echoes the city’s unyielding spirit and every sip is a toast to the indomitable soul of Bombay. Book your tables, not just for a meal, but for a soul-stirring sojourn through the city that never sleeps, and seldom stops dreaming. Cheers to that, Bambai!


Babylon Brewery & Club 2.0 Opens in Hyderabad, Redefining Scale, Architecture, and Immersive Nightlife

Babylon Brewery & Club 2.0 Opens in Hyderabad, Redefining Scale, Architecture, and Immersive Nightlife

By Hariharan U

Published on November 11, 2025

Hyderabad’s nightlife scene enters a bold new era with the unveiling of Babylon Brewery & Club 2.0, a 1-lakh sq. ft. destination in the city’s Financial District that fuses architecture, gastronomy, craft beer, and immersive entertainment into an extraordinary multisensory experience.

More than a club, bar, or restaurant, Babylon 2.0 is a city within a city,  a living, breathing universe of celebration. Reimagined from the iconic Babylon legacy, this next chapter represents an evolution in scale, creativity, and sensory storytelling.

Architecture That Astonishes

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From towering stone arches and cascading water features to colossal domed ceilings and sculpted walls, every inch of Babylon is designed to captivate. The interplay of light, sound, and monumental form turns the space itself into a theatrical narrative — a visual symphony where every corner unveils a new spectacle.

By Day: Brews, Bites & Brilliance

As daylight floods the grand halls, Babylon Brewery transforms into a lively social sanctuary. Guests can explore an array of handcrafted beers, from citrusy IPAs and rich stouts to seasonal brews inspired by global palettes.
The culinary program matches the same ambition, Mediterranean small plates, wood-fired grills, hand-stretched pizzas, and inventive Indian fare, each plate crafted to tell its own story.

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By Night: The City's New Pulse

As the sun sets, Babylon comes alive in full splendour. LED constellations shimmer across the domes, beats pulse through multi-level dance floors, and signature cocktails  from saffron elixirs to barrel-aged classics turn mixology into performance art.
Every night here is cinematic, an interplay of light, rhythm, and emotion that defines Hyderabad’s new after-dark identity.

Babylon 2.0 is the culmination of collective imagination and uncompromising ambition,” says Nishant Shaju, Founder, Babylon Brewery & Club. “We wanted to create not just a destination, but an immersive world that moves the senses and anchors itself in memory. Every element  from architecture to hospitality  has been curated with obsessive attention to craft and emotional resonance.”

Babylon 2.0 is not a venue; it is an emotion sculpted in space, energy, and atmosphere,” adds Anil Bung, Founder & Visionary. “It’s a tribute to a city that dreams big, a sanctuary for those who live, celebrate, and imagine without limits.

A Tribute to Hyderabad's Cultural Rise

Standing tall in the Nanakramguda Financial District, Babylon 2.0 embodies the ambition, creativity, and cosmopolitan spirit of modern Hyderabad, global yet grounded, futuristic yet soulful. With its blend of artistry, indulgence, and innovation, it redefines what nightlife and entertainment can mean for India’s new generation of experience seekers.

Location:
148/2/E, Nanakramguda Financial District, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500032


Chowman Strengthens Mumbai Presence, Sets Sights on Chennai Expansion

Chowman Strengthens Mumbai Presence, Sets Sights on Chennai Expansion

By Hariharan U

Published on November 10, 2025

Kolkata-based Chinese restaurant chain Chowman has added another feather to its cap with the launch of its new dine-in outlet at Mira Road (East), Mumbai. This marks the brand’s third outlet in the city, following its Powai (cloud kitchen) and Andheri West locations.

With this new opening, Chowman continues its vision of bringing the “Democratisation of Neighbourhood Fine Dining” to food lovers across India. The Mira Road outlet is designed to deliver a warm, intimate dining experience, staying true to Chowman’s signature charm. The décor blends red-and-black tones, soft lighting, and oriental music, creating an inviting ambience that reflects traditional Chinese aesthetics.

The restaurant can accommodate 36 guests, offering a cosy yet elegant setting for authentic Chinese fare that has become synonymous with the Chowman name.

Speaking about the brand’s journey, Debaditya Choudhury, Managing Director of Chowman, Oudh 1590, Chapter 2, and Chaudhury & Company, said, “Opening 3 outlets in Mumbai in a short interval feels nothing short of a dream. The way Mumbaikars have welcomed Chowman, with open hearts and hungry souls has truly moved me. It’s this warmth that keeps us going, as we now gear up to open 68 more outlets across Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai in the next two months carrying the same love and flavours wherever we go.”

Looking ahead, Choudhury revealed that the brand has already set its sights on Chennai as the next destination. Chowman plans to debut there with two large outlets, likely in Anna Nagar and Neelankarai, with operations expected to begin in early 2026. “We see huge potential in the Chennai market for Chowman. Initially we plan to launch our Chennai operations with two outlets in very prominent locations like Anna Nagar and Neelankarai. Post that if sales picks up we plan to open at least three more outlets in different strategic locations around the city,” Choudhury added.

As Chowman continues to expand its footprint across India, its commitment remains the same — offering an affordable yet refined Chinese dining experience that feels close to home.


Conan Debuts in India to Redefine the Nation’s Beer Culture

Conan Debuts in India to Redefine the Nation’s Beer Culture

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 10, 2025

India’s beer scene gets a bold upgrade with the arrival of Conan, a new entrant redefining what a strong beer can be. The brand launches with its first variant, an 8% ABV Premium Strong Lager, crafted for those who enjoy power with finesse.

Brewed from robust German malt and premium American hops, Conan delivers a refreshing smoothness that challenges the harshness often associated with traditional strong beers in India. This launch sets a new benchmark for balance and quality, blending strength with sophistication.

The brand is the brainchild of Arvind Bajaj, a seasoned entrepreneur with ventures spanning exports, lifestyle, hospitality, and real estate. Inspired by his travels through Germany and Belgium, Bajaj envisioned a beer that merges international craftsmanship with Indian taste preferences.

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“In India, strong beers have traditionally been harsh, bitter, and unappealing to many, especially women. With Conan, our mission is to craft a beer that is bold yet approachable, strong yet smooth, and one that redefines the perception of strong beer in India,” said Arvind Bajaj, Founder of Conan.

Carrying the tagline “Unleash the Warrior Within,” Conan celebrates individuality and confidence, inviting beer enthusiasts to embrace their bold side. Whether enjoyed at a party or after a long day, the brand promises an experience rooted in authenticity and attitude.

Conan made its debut in Delhi this October with 500ml cans. Expansion is set to follow in Uttar Pradesh this December, with a pan-India rollout in the pipeline. Future releases will include a Super Premium Strong, a Light Lager, and a Belgian Wheat, expanding the brand’s portfolio for diverse tastes.

With this launch, Conan aims to build a new culture of beer appreciation in India, one that combines strength, style, and sophistication in every sip.

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