You have Successfully logged In !
Already have an account? Login
By clicking Register you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Don't have an account?Register
Enter your E-mail address below, We will send the verification code
Please enter the code send to
Didn't receive the email?Click to resend
Your password has been successfully reset!.
Please login again to access your account.
An OTP has been sent to
Enter the 4-digit code
By Hariharan U
Published on January 20, 2026
Bengaluru’s Wood Street has a new address that feels instantly familiar yet quietly global. The Olive Group has opened The Hood, an all-day bar and dining space that brings together the spirit of the world’s most iconic neighbourhoods under one roof. Located in the former home of Toast & Tonic, The Hood is conceived by AD Singh, MD & Founder of the Olive Group of Restaurants, along with his core team, as a place where global cultures meet local comfort.
At its heart, The Hood is not about geography but about feeling. It draws inspiration from how neighbourhoods across the world eat, drink and gather, whether it’s the easy hum of a Parisian café, the quiet ritual of a Kyoto teahouse, or the familiar rhythm of an Indian street corner at dusk. These moments are distilled into a space that feels worldly in character but rooted in belonging.
The opening menu takes its first cues from three neighbourhoods: Gion in Kyoto, San Lorenzo in Florence, and Mar Mikhael in Beirut. Led by Chef Dhruv Oberoi, Culinary Director for The Hood, The Olive Bar & Kitchen (Delhi & Goa), and The Grammar Room, the food focuses on classics interpreted through flavour, ritual and restraint rather than imitation.
From Japan, dishes lean into hand-held rituals and quiet comfort, with highlights such as Karaage of Enoki Mushrooms and Sea Asparagus, Toro Temaki wrapped in crisp spiced nori, and minced pork gyoza with a delicate hanetsuke, paired with rayu chilli oil. Beirut brings depth and warmth through dishes like Black Lime Hummus, rich Bone Marrow, and Laban Immo, slow-cooked goat served with pearl cous cous and crispy okra. Italian influences anchor the menu with Burrata topped with mango mostarda, plancha plates of squid and sunchoke, ricotta gnocchi with vincotto grapes, pappardelle with beef bolognese, and a Hot Tiramisu finished with Amaretto coffee caramel.
Even the crockery quietly tells a story. Deep lacquered browns reflect Kyoto’s restraint, sage and sun-warmed greens echo Florence’s everyday palette, while beige and blue tones channel Beirut’s coastal ease. The intent, as the team explains, is for design to support the food without demanding attention.
The bar extends this neighbourhood narrative through drinks that reflect daily rhythms rather than trend-led theatrics. Cocktails are shaped around ingredients, glassware and ritual, moving from bright daytime serves to slower evening expressions. From Lebanon’s warmth in The Olive Thief to Italy’s familiar ease in Lemon Grove Sunset Hour, the drinks are recognisable, deliberate and designed to belong.
Coffee and slow rituals round off the experience, drawing from global traditions. Guests can pause over an espresso with dark chocolate, whisked matcha with mochi, Lebanese qahwa with dates, Parisian café au lait with madeleine, Fort Kochi filter coffee with banana chips, or Mexican cacao finished with chilli-kissed chocolate.
Designed by Sabina Singh, Design Director at the Olive Group, the space reflects the comfort of a neighbourhood bar found anywhere in the world. A central bar anchors the room, while curtained nooks, an indoor courtyard, books, records and a piano create a sense of a place shaped over time. Crafted with the help of local artisans, the interiors blend global memory with Bengaluru’s easy openness.
With The Hood, the Olive Group continues its craft-led approach to hospitality, bringing global neighbourhoods to Bengaluru without losing the authenticity that defines its work. Because wherever you go, every great story begins in a hood.
IIT Mandi Develops Landslide Early Warning System for Indian...
Scientists at IIT Mandi have developed a fully operational L...
Zari Debuts Luxury Hospitality Brand with Launch of Bijapur ...
Zari has announced its entry into India's luxury hospitality...
Novotel Hyderabad Airport Revives India's Railway Dining Her...
Novotel Hyderabad Airport has unveiled Monsoon Dak Bungalow,...
FIFA Highlights 2026: Argentina Stuns Egypt 3-2; J&K's Beig ...
Argentina booked their place in the quarterfinals of the FIF...
Published on July 16, 2026
The Leela Gandhinagar is celebrating India’s rich royal culinary traditions with the launch of its Royal Biryani & Kebab Trail at Diya, the hotel’s signature Indian specialty restaurant. Running from 16th July to 31st July 2026, the festival invites guests to experience the timeless flavours, aromas, and craftsmanship of India’s royal kitchens through an exclusive selection of biryanis and kebabs.
Inspired by culinary traditions once enjoyed by royal households across the country, the festival brings together fragrant basmati rice, aromatic spices, slow-cooking techniques, and expertly grilled preparations that have made biryanis and kebabs iconic expressions of Indian fine dining.
As guests enter Diya, they are welcomed by the rich aromas of saffron-infused rice, roasted spices, charcoal-grilled kebabs, and traditional preparations crafted with precision. The festival celebrates the artistry behind these dishes, highlighting regional influences and generations of culinary knowledge passed down through India’s royal kitchens.
The specially curated menu features an assortment of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies, including signature biryanis such as Hyderabadi Kathal Dum Biryani, Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani, and Murgh Dum Biryani. Each preparation showcases layers of fragrant rice, carefully balanced spices, and slow-cooked ingredients designed to create a rich and authentic dining experience.
The kebab selection reflects the diversity and sophistication of Indian grilling traditions with creations including Shahi Subz Akhrot Ki Seekh, Ulta Tawa Subz Galouti, Murgh Angar Bedgi, and Gosht Aur Hare Pyaaz Ki Seekh. Prepared by the hotel’s Master Chef, every dish combines traditional techniques with refined presentation, capturing the elegance associated with royal Indian cuisine.
The culinary experience is further enhanced by Diya’s luxurious interiors, featuring silver-adorned ceilings, handcrafted chandeliers, Venetian mirrors, and contemporary Indian design elements. The restaurant’s elegant ambience creates a setting inspired by royal dining chambers, allowing guests to enjoy the festival as an immersive gastronomic journey.
Whether for an intimate dinner, family gathering, or special celebration, the Royal Biryani & Kebab Trail offers guests an opportunity to explore India’s culinary heritage while experiencing the signature hospitality of The Leela.
Speaking about the festival, Vikas Sood, General Manager, The Leela Gandhinagar, said, “Biryanis and kebabs carry a remarkable legacy of royal kitchens, regional craftsmanship, and generations of culinary artistry. Through this festival, we wanted to recreate the warmth and grandeur of those timeless traditions while offering our guests an experience that reflects the elegance and authenticity associated with Diya and The Leela.”
Through this celebration, The Leela Gandhinagar continues its commitment to showcasing India’s diverse culinary heritage through thoughtfully curated dining experiences. The Royal Biryani & Kebab Trail brings together tradition, craftsmanship, and luxury hospitality, offering guests a memorable journey through flavours that have adorned India’s royal tables for centuries.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
ITC Foods has expanded its beverage portfolio with the launch of B Natural Coconut Cola, introducing what it describes as a first-of-its-kind drink in India. Combining the familiar taste and fizz of cola with the goodness of coconut water, the new beverage is designed for consumers looking for lighter, everyday refreshment without compromising on taste.
Built around the brand proposition 'Refreshingly Simple', B Natural Coconut Cola contains Zero Caffeine, Zero Added Sugar, and just 9 kcal per serve. The launch reflects the growing demand for beverages that offer both enjoyment and better-for-you choices.
According to ITC Foods, changing consumer preferences have created a need for drinks that feel lighter while still delivering a satisfying experience. With Coconut Cola, the company aims to address this gap by creating a new beverage category, a hydrating cola that blends indulgence with wellness.
The launch also highlights B Natural's continued focus on innovation, with the brand introducing products that align with the evolving preferences of Indian consumers. Coconut Cola marks the latest addition to its portfolio of differentiated beverage offerings.
Speaking about the launch, Mr. Vivek Kookkal, Vice President and Business Head - Dairy and Beverages, Foods Division, ITC Ltd, said:
"Coconut Cola is rooted in a simple consumer insight that indulgence does not need to be over engineered to be enjoyable. With this unique launch, we aim to encourage consumers to rediscover the value of simplicity through a thoughtfully crafted beverage experience - combining the familiar taste of cola with coconut water, we are offering an alternative that is both enjoyable and refreshingly simple"
The product has been developed in collaboration with ITC's Product Development and Life Sciences & Technology Centre (LSTC) teams. Their combined efforts have ensured that the beverage delivers the familiar cola experience while maintaining its wellness-focused proposition.
B Natural Coconut Cola is now available in a 250 ml can priced at INR 60. The product will be rolled out across leading retail outlets and quick commerce platforms in key metro cities, including Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata.
Published on July 15, 2026
Ironhill Marathahalli has announced the launch of The Monsoon Affair, a seasonal culinary celebration that brings together comforting flavours, nostalgic recipes, and immersive dining experiences to mark the arrival of the monsoon in Bengaluru.
Running from July 15 to August 31, the limited-period menu has been curated to capture India's enduring love for monsoon comfort food through a selection of hearty dishes inspired by regional flavours and seasonal indulgences.
Among the highlights are the Smoky Sigdiwala Bhutta, Madras Curry, Lamb Fry, and Haleem Bun with Mutton Marag, each offering a contemporary interpretation of traditional comfort food while celebrating the warmth and richness associated with the rainy season.
Complementing the food is a selection of refreshing beverages designed for the season, alongside a monsoon-inspired ambience and interactive experiences that enhance the overall dining experience.
With The Monsoon Affair, Ironhill aims to transform the rainy season into an occasion for guests to gather, unwind, and enjoy flavourful dishes in a vibrant setting. The seasonal promotion reflects the restaurant's focus on creating themed culinary experiences that combine comfort, hospitality, and memorable moments.
The Monsoon Affair will be available at Ironhill Marathahalli until August 31, offering diners an opportunity to savour specially curated seasonal dishes throughout the monsoon.
Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!
Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.
By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Advertise With Us
We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.
A platform dedicated to showcase the skills and creativity of hospitality professionals. Share your articles, videos and other content related to the industry and get recognized for your unique perspective and expertise. By posting your content and gaining likes from your own community, we'll categorize your talents and expose them to the hospitality world. Join our community of passionate hospitality professionals and let your talent shine!.
Already have an account?Login
By clicking you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Subscribe for ₹2,000 and receive our monthly magazine for one year (12 months) from the coming month and save 2 months cost.