JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has opened the doors to its latest dining experience, BarQat, a restaurant that reimagines India’s rich culinary traditions through the lens of heritage and innovation. Meaning “abundance” in Urdu, BarQat captures the spirit of generosity and connection through food, celebrating regional flavours from Kashmir, Lucknow, Bhopal, and Hyderabad.

Designed as a culinary journey along India’s historical route, BarQat brings together the nuanced flavours and stories of these four regions, each offering its own interpretation of classic dishes. The restaurant’s philosophy is simple yet profound, to honour heirloom recipes while giving them a contemporary touch. Every dish tells a story of how shared roots evolved into diverse traditions across India’s culinary landscape.

Speaking about the relaunch, Sachin Mylavarapu, General Manager at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, said, “At JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, we believe true luxury is found in abundance — abundance of flavour, culture, connection, and celebration. The relaunch of BarQat embodies this philosophy. We've created a space where Straight-line Cuisine comes to life and the abundance of India's culinary heritage unfolds through heirloom recipes passed down through generations. Here, every gathering becomes an opportunity to foster deeper bonds with loved ones. From the lavish spread of regional delicacies to the warm embrace of shared meals, BarQat is designed for those special moments of togetherness. It's about celebrating abundance in every form — on your plate, in your conversations, and in the memories you create.”

Open daily from 7:00 PM to midnight, BarQat offers guests a place to unwind, celebrate, and savour the flavours of India’s most storied kitchens. With its rich textures, soulful aromas, and immersive storytelling, BarQat promises a dining experience that feels both timeless and contemporary.

Guests can reserve their tables by calling +91 7710009250 or visiting www.jwmumbai.com.

The First Group Hospitality has announced a strategic partnership with Inntelo AI, a next-generation guest experience and operations platform, to introduce AI-native technology across its expanding portfolio of hotels. The collaboration aims to redefine how guests interact, communicate, and experience hospitality through advanced artificial intelligence.

Following a successful implementation at TRYP by Wyndham Dubai, The First Group is now set to integrate Inntelo AI across all its properties including the much-anticipated Ciel Dubai Marina – Vignette Collection by IHG, which is soon to claim the title of the world’s tallest hotel.

Through this integration, guests can look forward to a seamless digital concierge experience. From ordering room service and making restaurant bookings to scheduling local excursions or requesting amenities, everything can be done effortlessly via phone, WhatsApp, or voice commands in over 40 languages. This platform merges convenience, personalisation, and innovation, giving guests more control over their stay.

The collaboration aligns with The First Group Hospitality’s broader vision of embedding AI-driven intelligence throughout its business operations. The company already uses AI tools for revenue forecasting, rate optimisation, restaurant reservations, team scheduling, and guest satisfaction monitoring. This partnership with Inntelo extends that innovation into real-time service delivery and operational insights, connecting guest needs directly to hotel teams.

“The First Group has always been at the forefront of innovation, carefully evaluating and implementing the latest solutions; having worked with Inntelo AI over recent months, we are incredibly excited and ambitious about how this cutting-edge AI technology sets us apart in the hotel management field,” said Tom Stevens, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations, The First Group Hospitality. “This partnership with Inntelo AI will ensure every guest interaction, from arrival to departure, is powered by intelligence, efficiency, and personalisation.”

Echoing this sentiment, Asif Alidina, Co-Founder and CEO of Inntelo AI, added, “We are delighted to partner with the team at The First Group Hospitality, who truly understand the value of being a first mover in this space using an AI-native platform. This project future-proofs their operations and positions them to rapidly leverage the power of agentic and conversational AI across their portfolio long before many of their competitors. Our platform doesn’t just enhance service; it transforms how hotels operate, think, and scale.”

The First Group Hospitality and Inntelo AI’s partnership represents more than just a technology upgrade — it signals a new phase for the hospitality sector where data-driven insights and personalisation work hand-in-hand to elevate the guest journey.

At the seventh edition of the IWS Awards, held at the iconic Taj Lands End, Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky secured the highest rating and was crowned Best in Show in the Indian Single Malt Whisky category. The recognition cements Crazy Cock’s position among India’s finest whiskies and alongside some of the world’s most celebrated names.

Born from a century-old legacy of craftsmanship at South Seas Distilleries, Crazy Cock is the result of patience, precision, and quiet obsession. Established long before India’s single malt revolution took hold, South Seas Distilleries stands today among the few whose heritage can be mentioned in the same breath as Yamazaki Distillery of Japan and Glenturret Distillery of Scotland.

Hosted by Vinexposium Paris, the IWS Awards are regarded as one of the world’s most respected wine and spirits recognitions. This year’s event was curated by Sonal C. Holland, Chairperson of the IWS Awards, and graced by Grace Ghazale.

Over the years, South Seas has built India’s largest private cask collection, sourcing exclusive bourbon and sherry casks from across the globe. Each drop of Crazy Cock Single Malt is drawn from this collection, matured with precision, and bottled in limited batches, ensuring every release remains truly exceptional.

At South Seas, time is the ultimate artisan. Each cask, nurtured under India’s tropical sun between the mountains and the sea, yields whisky with profound depth and bold character. The result is a spirit of extraordinary complexity and distinction, admired by connoisseurs worldwide.

“The distillery has always been obsessed with quality and meticulous in its attention to detail. Its unique location gives our whiskies the benefit of tropical maturation, creating Indian single malts of unmatched richness and character,” says Hamavand Chinoy, Director, South Seas Distilleries.

Available in select domestic markets and duty-free locations, Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky offers a rare and refined experience for those who seek India’s best.