Sip and Celebrate: Simba Beer Champions Craft Culture on International Beer Day

Sip and Celebrate: Simba Beer Champions Craft Culture on International Beer Day

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 6, 2025

Simba Beer invites craft beer enthusiasts to raise a toast to togetherness, conversation, and the spirit of good times this International Beer Day. As India’s leading craft beer brand, Simba has revolutionized the beer landscape with bold, distinctive brews that cater to a diverse range of tastes. Founded in 2016 in Chhattisgarh, Simba has emerged as a pioneering force in the Indian craft beer scene, offering a variety of exceptional brews, including Simba Stout, Simba Wit, Simba Lager, and Simba Strong. From the refreshing, citrusy Simba Wit to the rich, roasted Simba Stout and the bold, full-bodied Simba Strong, each brew reflects the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation.

"Beer isn’t just a drink; it’s a catalyst for connection, conversation, and celebration. This International Beer Day, let’s toast to the joy of togetherness and great times!" said Ishwaraj Singh Bhatia, COO and Co-Founder of Simba Beer. This vision has been central to Simba since its inception, shaping its journey as it builds a thriving community of craft beer lovers across India. With a passion for pushing creative boundaries, Simba’s brews embody the spirit of exploration, offering unique flavors that resonate with beer enthusiasts.

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Beyond brewing, Simba fosters a culture of collaboration and celebration through initiatives like the Simba Uproar festival. This vibrant event showcases underground culture, grassroots talent, and dynamic experiences that bring beer lovers together. This year, the festival introduced FMX (Freestyle Motocross), blending high-energy action with music and craft beer, creating an immersive experience for attendees. Additionally, Simba’s Brew-Off initiative invites independent breweries to collaborate on small-batch experimental brews, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to innovation and community-building.

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As Simba continues to expand across India, it remains dedicated to nurturing its beer-loving community while introducing new and exciting brews. Its portfolio of signature beers reflects a diverse range of tastes - Simba Wit, a hazy Belgian-style wheat beer with refreshing citrus notes, subtle lemongrass hints, and a spice kick from coriander seeds; Simba Stout, India’s first bottled stout with smooth coffee, caramel, and dark chocolate flavors; Simba Lager, a well-balanced brew with rich malt flavors and an aromatic finish; and Simba Strong, a bold and robust lager with a crisp mouthfeel and a perfect balance of roasted flavors and mild sweetness.

With a rebellious spirit and an unwavering commitment to quality, Simba Beer continues to redefine India’s craft beer culture. Rooted in creativity and self-expression, the brand goes beyond brewing, supporting underground music, collaborating with artists, and building a strong creative community. As Simba raises a glass to International Beer Day, it invites beer lovers across the country to celebrate not just the drink, but the connections and experiences that come with it.


Ayana Rooftop Restaurant Opens at Udaipur Marriott Hotel

Ayana Rooftop Restaurant Opens at Udaipur Marriott Hotel

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 20, 2025

Udaipur Marriott Hotel has unveiled Ayana, its newest rooftop dining destination, offering guests a transcendent culinary journey set against the shimmering lakes and Aravalli Hills. True to its name, which means “the path,” Ayana guides diners through an immersive experience that begins with its serene poolside ambiance and culminates with indulgent desserts.

The restaurant’s design harmoniously blends contemporary Indian aesthetics with natural materials, oversized cushions, glowing lanterns, and curated world music, creating an atmosphere that is both vibrant and serene. The panoramic rooftop views add a magical dimension to every visit.

Ayana’s menu celebrates India’s royal culinary legacy, drawing inspiration from the Northwest Frontier and the regal kitchens of Rajasthan. Each dish is crafted with precision, honouring its origins while presenting a modern twist. The bar complements the menu with artisanal cocktails infused with Indian botanicals, spices, and local flavours, alongside a curated selection of fine wines and craft beers.

Designed for intimate dinners, celebratory gatherings, and exclusive events, Ayana offers a mix of communal seating, semi-private corners, and open decks. The restaurant is also deeply committed to sustainability, prioritizing locally sourced seasonal produce, plant-forward innovations, minimal food waste, energy-efficient kitchens, and elimination of single-use plastics.

Executive Chef Mohit Mishra commented on the launch:

“We are thrilled to officially welcome guests to Ayana. Our vision was to create more than just a restaurant, we wanted to craft a journey where each dish tells a story, each flavour evokes tradition, and every detail reflects India’s rich culinary heritage.”

Vaibhav Sagar, General Manager, added:

“Ayana is designed to be an immersive experience, not just a dining venue. From the sweeping rooftop views to the thoughtfully curated menu and serene yet vibrant ambiance, every element has been meticulously crafted to create lasting memories for both travellers and locals seeking a refined night out.”

Ayana promises to be a destination for culinary discovery, offering diners a seamless blend of tradition, innovation, and unforgettable experiences atop one of Udaipur’s most scenic rooftops.


1.5 Degree Expands Plant-Based Portfolio with New Beverages, Sundaes, Kulfi, and Popsicles

1.5 Degree Expands Plant-Based Portfolio with New Beverages, Sundaes, Kulfi, and Popsicles

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 18, 2025

1.5 Degree, India’s leading plant-based dairy alternative brand, has unveiled an exciting new range of signature beverages, frozen sundaes, traditional kulfis, and refreshing popsicles this festive season. The announcement comes on the heels of the company securing seed funding from BITS Pilani and being recognised among its top emerging startups.

The new collection reflects 1.5 Degree’s philosophy of combining indulgence with responsibility. Designed for the conscious consumer, the range features sugar-free café-style beverages like Kesar Badam, Salted Pistachio, Hazelnut Coffee, and Cold Vegan Tea, crafted for refreshing, guilt-free sips.

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The Frozen Sundaes promise rich, layered indulgence in flavours like Salted Peanut Butter and Nutty Choco Fudge, while the Kulfi Collection, also sugar-free, reimagines the classic Indian favourite with plant-based innovation. The Popsicle lineup includes fruity and tangy favourites such as Chilly Guava, Jamun, and Shikanji, complemented by rotating seasonal sorbets for an extra-refreshing twist.

“At 1.5 Degree, we believe in indulgence without compromise,” said Vedansh Goyal, Founder of 1.5Degree.co. “With the overwhelming response to our gelatos, this new range brings familiar Indian favourites like kulfi and shikanji into the plant-based space, while also offering global café-style beverages, now with sugar-free options that keep taste front and centre.”

All products are 100% plant-based, dairy-free, lactose-free, and cholesterol-free, made using natural ingredients without artificial additives or preservatives. Ethically sourced and responsibly produced, the brand reinforces its mission to support a cooler planet while offering full-flavoured experiences.

1.5 Degree’s new offerings are available across Delhi NCR and Mumbai through select retail outlets, quick-commerce platforms, kiosks, and cloud kitchens. Orders can also be placed online via Swiggy, Zomato, or directly at 1.5degree.co.

Founded with a vision to make plant-based indulgence mainstream, 1.5 Degree continues to expand its product line with an aim to merge taste, sustainability, and innovation, one scoop and sip at a time.


BarQat Returns to JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar with a Celebration of Abundance

BarQat Returns to JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar with a Celebration of Abundance

By Hariharan U

Published on October 16, 2025

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.

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