India Bartender Guild Marks Global Milestone with Zero Proof Competition 2025 and Bronze Medal Win in Taiwan

India Bartender Guild Marks Global Milestone with Zero Proof Competition 2025 and Bronze Medal Win in Taiwan

By Hariharan U

Published on January 1, 2026

The India Bartender Guild (IBG), India’s leading professional body for bartenders and beverage professionals, concluded 2025 on a high note with two significant achievements - the successful execution of the IBG Zero Proof Competition 2025 and a Bronze Medal win at the 24th Golden Cup Cocktail Competition in Taiwan. Together, these milestones reflect India’s growing stature and credibility on the global bartending stage.

Zero Proof Competition 2025: Championing Responsible Creativity

As part of its ongoing commitment to responsible bartending and inclusive beverage culture, IBG organised the Zero Proof Competition 2025, a premium national championship focused entirely on non-alcoholic mixology and flair bartending. The competition celebrated creativity, technique, presentation and international-standard bartending skills, all without the use of alcohol.

The championship was hosted across two major hospitality hubs:

  • New Delhi – 4th August 2025

  • Goa – 11th August 2025

Both editions saw strong participation from skilled bartenders across the country, along with enthusiastic engagement from hospitality professionals and industry leaders, making it one of the most impactful bartender competitions of the year.

Winners of IBG Zero Proof Competition 2025

After a rigorous judging process, the following national winners emerged:

Mixology Category

  • Deepika Shukla – Winner

  • Chetan Choramule – Winner

Flair Bartending Category

  • Ravi Varma – Winner

The winners stood out for their innovation, technical excellence and stage presence, showcasing the evolving talent and professionalism within India’s bartending community.

Bronze Medal at the Golden Cup Cocktail Competition, Taiwan

Building on their national success, the IBG champions went on to represent India at the 24th Golden Cup Cocktail Competition, held in Taiwan from 16th to 20th December 2025, one of the most respected bartending competitions globally.

India’s Representation

  • Deepika Shukla – Mixology Category

  • Chetan Choramule – Flair Category

  • Ravi Varma – Flair Category

Competing against top bartenders from across the world, the Indian team delivered a strong performance, securing a Bronze Medal for India, a proud moment that highlights the country’s rising standards, technical skill and international competitiveness in bartending.

Global Recognition for IBG Leadership

Adding further distinction, Mr. Archit Singhal, President of the India Bartender Guild, served as an official Judge at the Golden Cup Cocktail Competition. His presence on the international judging panel reinforced IBG’s credibility and India’s growing influence within the global bartending fraternity.

Historic Step: IBG Joins the International Bartenders Association

In another landmark development, the India Bartender Guild officially became a member of the International Bartenders Association (IBA). This historic affiliation strengthens India’s position within the global bartending ecosystem and opens new opportunities for international exposure, professional development and participation in global competitions.

The Road Ahead

Through initiatives such as the Zero Proof Competition, global competition participation and international affiliations, IBG continues to build a stronger, more professional and globally respected bartending community in India. The Guild remains committed to empowering bartenders, encouraging innovation and firmly placing India on the world bartending map.


Stone Water by Zuper Opens Bali-Inspired Resort in Karjat

Stone Water by Zuper Opens Bali-Inspired Resort in Karjat

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 25, 2026

Set amidst flowing river waters and open natural surroundings, Stone Water by Zuper has officially opened its doors, introducing a fresh destination escape near Mumbai. Designed as a Bali-inspired retreat, the resort blends nature, thoughtful architecture, luxury living, and recreation, positioning itself as a standout hospitality offering in Karjat.

The resort features 126 well-designed rooms spread across five distinctive categories, each created to offer a close connection with nature while maintaining modern comfort. Options range from The Whispering Brook, an earth-sheltered stay opening to sweeping river views, to The Cascade Private Pool Cottages, where warm lights glow through surrounding forest greens. Guests can also choose Silver Spring Pool Access rooms with direct pool entry, or the TwinLeaf Pool Cottage, ideal for families and groups seeking private poolside stays.

Dining is a key highlight at the property. A signature restaurant set beside a legacy old banyan tree offers relaxed open-air dining, while a stylish café and bar caters to casual indulgence. Adding to the experience is a boho-inspired pool bar overlooking the river, creating a lively yet laid-back setting for evenings with handcrafted cocktails. For events and celebrations, the resort offers two indoor banquet halls, a poolside lawn, and a large river-facing lawn designed for weddings, social gatherings, and grand occasions.

One of the resort’s most anticipated features is its upcoming exclusive river canopies, positioned right in the middle of the flowing river. These private spaces promise a rare stay experience, surrounded by panoramic views and the calming sound of water, making them truly one of a kind in the region.

Recreation is equally well thought out, with facilities including pickleball courts, paddle courts, bowling alleys, and other activity zones. The mix of leisure, adventure, and social spaces allows guests to strike the right balance between relaxation and energy-filled experiences.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Ajay Badekar, Director of Stone Water by Zuper, said, "This is how dreams turn into reality. Stone Water Resort & Spa is a sanctuary of peace and serenity where guests can create their own moments rather than wait for someone else to make them. This is where nature and design co-exist in absolute harmony & it is not just a destination, but an experience designed to be cherished for a lifetime."

The property is managed by Zuper Hotels & Resorts, a well-known name in Maharashtra’s resort and boutique hospitality space. With over 14 years of experience, Zuper manages premium properties across the state and plays an active role in weddings, corporate events, and large-scale celebrations.

With its layered pools, river-centric design, luxury stays, and vibrant lifestyle offerings, Stone Water by Zuper marks a new chapter in experiential hospitality near Mumbai, offering guests an escape that feels immersive, refreshing, and memorable.


Suba Hotels Limited Strengthens Click Hotels Presence with Three New Signings

Suba Hotels Limited Strengthens Click Hotels Presence with Three New Signings

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 25, 2026

Suba Hotels Limited has announced the addition of three new properties under its popular Click Hotels brand. The newly signed hotels will be located in Hyderabad, Ujjain, and Visakhapatnam. With these signings, the company now manages a total of 35 hotels under the Click Hotels portfolio.

Sharing his thoughts on the expansion, Managing Director Mansur Mehta said, "Our brand Click Hotels has been gaining a lot of popularity and acceptance with both guests and owners. We are extremely happy with the response, and the entire team at Suba Hotels will strive hard to ensure that the Click Hotels brand receives more recognition and accolades from everyone."

Commenting on the milestone, CEO Mubeen Mehta congratulated the team and said, "I congratulate the entire team on such a wonderful achievement. It truly shows the utmost commitment of the team. Such results are possible due to dedicated teamwork." He further added that this growth reflects the steady and fast-paced expansion of the Suba Group.

Providing more details about the newly signed properties, VP Operations Abinash Ashok said, "The Click Hotel, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, is a 48-room property and is being developed in association with Multiverse Hotels. The Click Hotel, Ujjain, comprises 53 rooms, and The Click Hotel, Visakhapatnam, is a 32-room hotel developed in association with Abhiram Hotels & Resorts and Indus Group."

Suba Hotels is among India’s largest and fastest-growing domestic hotel chains in the mid-market space. The company operates across upscale, upper midscale, midscale, and economy segments. With a strong presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, Suba Hotels continues to grow through smart market strategies, an asset-light approach, and a focus on delivering quality guest experiences at accessible price points.


United Hospitality Management India expands portfolio with Garner Bhidawi

United Hospitality Management India expands portfolio with Garner Bhidawi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 24, 2026

United Hospitality Management (UHM), a global leader in luxury and mixeduse hospitality management, has entered into a franchise agreement with IHG Hotels & Resorts for Garner Bhidawi. This signing forms a key part of UHM’s ambi;ous growth plans in India and follows its recent acquisition of the boutique brand Rosastays.

United Hospitality Management – India will manage the 45-key hotel, which is scheduled to open in 2027. The property, to developed by Modest Structures Private Limited, will offer modern rooms suited for both short and extended stays, focusing on delivering quality hospitality at an accessible price point. With this addition, Garner Bhidawi becomes the fourth Garner brand property in India. Garner is a midscale conversion brand that prioritises comfort and meaningful experiences.

UHM formally entered the Indian market in Q4 2025 through the acquisition of Rosastays. This move significantly strengthened the group’s footprint in the country, adding 17 opera;onal proper;es across key leisure destinations including Goa, Kasauli, Nainital, Pushkar, and Shimla.

Commenting on the development, Deepika Arora, Managing Director, United Hospitality Management – India, said:

“Our focus in India is on building a diversified and future-ready hospitality portfolio through strategic partnerships and disciplined management. The addi;on of Garner Bhiwadi strengthens our presence in emerging industrial and business corridors, while allowing us to apply United Hospitality Management's opera;onal exper;se to a format that delivers strong owner returns and consistent guest experiences.

As we expand following our entry into the Indian market, we are selectively identifying locations where professional management, global brand systems and local market understanding can collectively unlock long-term value. Garner Bhiwadi reflects this approach and reinforces our commitment to scaling thoughtfully across key growth markets.”

With more than 30 years of exper;se and over USD 1 billion in assets under management, UHM oversees a growing global portfolio across Europe and the Middle East. Its portfolio includes partnerships with global brands such as Marriott, Accor, Hyatt, and Wyndham, along with its own lifestyle ecosystem featuring over 20 specialty food and beverage brands and the award-winning wellness brand, ‘Serenity – The Art of Well Being’.

IHG’s newest midscale conversion brand, Garner, builds on the group’s leadership in the midscale segment. It offers quality stays at an accessible price point, designed around relaxed and flexible experiences. Garner is aimed at value-conscious travellers who priori;se comfort and meaningful experiences, supported by IHG’s global enterprise systems and rewards programme.

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