In the ever-bustling landscape of Mumbai’s hospitality scene, a new name quietly stands apart,  Miss Margot, now open in the heart of Bandra. Conceptualised by hospitality veteran Kishore D.F., the space is a tribute to the understated elegance of Bombay’s 90s lounge culture, offering a return to subtle sophistication and intimate connection.

The launch of Miss Margot marks a collaboration between Kishore D.F., whose legacy includes iconic venues like Seijo and the Soul Dish and The Tanjore Tiffin Room, and Dimi Lezinska, a globally acclaimed name in the world of spirits and hospitality. With experience spanning from London’s most revered bars to global events like the Academy Awards and Cannes, Lezinska brings a worldly perspective to the bar program.

Rounding out the trio is Chef Parth Purandare, who has crafted a thoughtful menu of small plates that draws from modern European and Continental roots, layered with Japanese culinary techniques. His food evokes familiarity while still offering refined, contemporary touches.

“With Miss Margot, our vision was to revive the understated elegance of Bombay's 90s lounge culture — a space where genuine connection and sophisticated comfort take precedence,” said Kishore D.F.

“Miss Margot was born from the desire to bring forward the kind of drinking culture that’s become rare, one rooted in quiet confidence, not theatrics,” added Dimi Lezinska.

At the heart of Miss Margot is a cocktail menu that leads the conversation. Each drink is crafted with mood, flavour, and occasion in mind, moving beyond spectacle to offer an experience of deliberate craftsmanship. Whether guests seek something sharp and classic or something light and playful, the menu has a pour that matches the moment.

Culinary highlights include the Tom Yum Gambas, a bold seafood broth of prawns and sea bream, served with soft mantou buns, a dish that comforts while showcasing technique and depth.

Spread across 4,000 square feet, Miss Margot can host up to 128 guests. The interiors, designed by Shabnam Gupta of The Orange Lane, blend vintage glamour with contemporary style. Velvet upholstery, brushed gold finishes, mirrored accents, and warm lighting come together to create an ambience that feels both nostalgic and modern.

Every detail of Miss Margot, from the cocktails to the candlelight, everything  is crafted to evoke a rare mood in today’s fast-paced city life: one of quiet confidence, timeless pleasure, and a genuine appreciation for being in the moment.

In a big step forward for its expansion, Spice Grill Flame (SGF) India has opened three new outlets in the Delhi-NCR region specifically in Greenfield (Faridabad), Bakhtawarpur, and Ramesh Nagar. Known for its spicy and flavour-packed vegetarian menu, SGF continues to strengthen its roots while gearing up for broader national and international presence.

The brand, which kicked off in 2012 with just a single outlet in Delhi’s Ashok Vihar, was launched by Kewal Ahuja with a modest investment of ₹3 lakhs. Fast forward to today, and SGF proudly operates over 75 outlets across more than 20 Indian cities. These locations are strategically chosen on high-street spots to maximise visibility and customer access.

“From a single outlet in Ashok Vihar to now serving across 20 cities, SGF has always believed in scaling with purpose”, shared Kewal Ahuja, Founder of SGF India. “Our business model is built on three core principles: quality, customer service, and brand consistency, which continue to guide every expansion and innovation.”

Looking ahead, SGF is planning to double its number of outlets within the coming year. The roadmap also includes stepping into global markets with a brand-new range of packaged food items. With a projected turnover of ₹23–24 crores for FY25, the company is aiming for a steady 10% growth this fiscal year.

One of SGF’s strongest appeals lies in its focus on vegetarian and vegan options—flavourful, fiery dishes that reflect the preferences of the modern Indian diner. The brand’s smooth franchise model and dependable quality make it a go-to name not just for customers, but for food entrepreneurs as well.

In a landmark win for Indian spirits, DeVANS GianChand Manshaa has been crowned "International Whisky of the Year 2025" at the renowned Meininger’s International Spirits Award (ISW) held in Germany. The peated single malt not only secured the prestigious Grand Gold but also emerged as the top international whisky, outshining legendary competitors from whisky powerhouses like Scotland, Ireland, and the USA.

Out of 450 global spirit entries, only 11 earned the coveted Grand Gold, DeVANS GianChand Manshaa being the only Indian whisky to achieve this. This dual honour reflects the growing sophistication and recognition of Indian whiskies on a global platform.

The latest expression from DeVANS, GianChand Manshaa is the brand’s first peated single malt, crafted in the Himalayan region. The whisky impressed the international jury with its "long medicinal peat smoke, perfectly framed by citrus and spicy flavours." Esteemed whisky critic and author of the Whisky Bible, Jim Murray, praised it for its “charming smokiness, with peat in sparkling form.”

Crafted using pure Himalayan waters and shaped by the region’s distinct microclimate, GianChand Manshaa stands as a symbol of India’s potential in the premium single malt category. The win adds to the growing list of accolades for DeVANS, following their recent victories at the International Whisky Competition (IWC) in Las Vegas, where GianChand Adambaraa was named Best Indian Single Malt Whisky 2025 and Best Indian Whisky of the Year 2025.

“This prestigious Grand Gold and INTERNATIONAL WHISKY OF THE YEAR award at ISW Meininger, Germany 2025 is a great recognition of our passion, craft and commitment to quality,” said Prem Dewan, Chairman and Managing Director of DeVANS. “It’s not only a victory for DeVANS, but also a recognition of India’s growing role in the global whisky space.”

Speaking on the brand's journey, Dewan added, “GianChand Manshaa and GianChand Adambaraa represent two facets of our legacy, one bold and peated, the latter refined and elegant. Their success is a tribute to our team’s hard work and a reaffirmation of India’s place in the world of single malts.”

Currently available in Delhi and Hyderabad duty-free, both GianChand expressions will soon hit retail shelves in Haryana and Goa. These achievements underline DeVANS’ commitment to excellence and its vision to elevate Indian whisky to global acclaim.

For whisky lovers and industry insiders alike, this moment is not just a triumph, it’s a proud celebration of the craftsmanship and innovation coming out of India’s distilleries today.