The Polo Bar at Al Habtoor Palace Dubai Earns Coveted Spot on Forbes 2025 Star Bars List

The Polo Bar at Al Habtoor Palace Dubai Earns Coveted Spot on Forbes 2025 Star Bars List

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 11, 2025

In a proud moment for Dubai’s luxury hospitality scene, The Polo Bar at Al Habtoor Palace has been named to the prestigious 2025 Star Bars List by Forbes Travel Guide. This exclusive recognition includes just 58 hotel bars from across 19 countries, all chosen for delivering outstanding beverage programs, luxurious service, and memorable guest experiences.

The recognition is rooted in Forbes Travel Guide’s meticulous incognito inspections, drawing from data collected during its 2024 and 2025 Star Ratings. The Polo Bar stood out for its rich atmosphere, elevated service, and refined drinks program that speaks to the city’s cosmopolitan flair.

Tucked within the iconic Al Habtoor Palace Dubai—already a Forbes Four-Star rated hotel for 2025—The Polo Bar is a sanctuary of equestrian elegance and timeless charm. Think deep leather seating, polished wood interiors, and a cocktail list that mixes classic sophistication with creative flair.

“We are honored to be distinguished on the 2025 Forbes Star Bars List—a graceful affirmation of our unwavering commitment to excellence,” shared Soufiane El Allam, Complex Operations & Commercial Director, Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection. “The Polo Bar is where enduring sophistication seamlessly intertwines with Dubai’s spirited vitality.”

This recognition further cements Al Habtoor Palace’s status as one of Dubai’s most luxurious destinations. Located along Sheikh Zayed Road with views of the Dubai Water Canal, the palatial hotel boasts 234 lavish rooms and suites, world-class dining, a rooftop pool, curated art, and exclusive access to Palm Jumeirah’s beach clubs.

“The 2025 Star Bars represent the pinnacle of hotel bar experiences,” said Hermann Elger, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. Bastien Gardrat, FTG’s Global Spirits Ambassador, added, “These awards highlight sophisticated ambiance, elevated service, artfully curated wine lists, and cocktails that are skillfully crafted and creatively presented.”

With this honor, The Polo Bar continues to raise the bar—literally—for what an exceptional hotel bar should be.


Adrift Kaya Launches Experiential Japanese Sunday Brunch at JW Marriott New Delhi

Adrift Kaya Launches Experiential Japanese Sunday Brunch at JW Marriott New Delhi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 31, 2025

Adrift Kaya, the celebrated Japanese dining destination by Michelin-starred Chef David Myers, is introducing its much-anticipated Sunday Brunch at JW Marriott New Delhi on 14th September 2025. Designed as an immersive experience, the brunch promises to transform Sundays into the city’s most awaited culinary ritual.

Blending bold Japanese flavours, innovative drinks, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities, the brunch channels the vibrant spirit of Tokyo in the heart of Delhi. At its centre is the Kaiseki Bento Box, a showcase of seasonal Japanese delicacies such as sake-marinated salmon glazed with miso, crisp tempura, and traditional miso soup. For younger guests, the Little Kaya Bento Box brings playful creations like Kawaii Onigiri, Japanese Croquettes, and a mini Chicken Katsu Burger.

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The Dessert Station is designed to delight, featuring freshly flipped Japanese soufflé pancakes in matcha and chocolate, alongside a Build-Your-Own Sundae Bar with house-made ice creams in indulgent flavours including Sakura, Kaya Miso Salted Caramel, and Black Sesame.

Beverages take centre stage with a curated line-up of signature cocktails, zero-proof creations, and themed bars. Guests can enjoy unique offerings at the Matcha Bar, refreshing twists at the Mimosa Bar with its live trolley, and a curated Sake Bar highlighting Japanese craftsmanship.

Enhancing the experience, the brunch includes live DJ beats, a dedicated Kids’ Zone with Manga comics and Polaroid keepsakes, and a vibrant setting ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends.

“With ADRIFT Kaya’s Sunday Brunch, we wanted to create something fresh for Delhi, a Japanese-inspired experience that feels fun, delicious, and interactive. From Japanese-style soufflé pancakes and Kaiseki bento to the Little Kaya Bento with its playful mini chicken katsu burger, plus the matcha whisking and mimosa bars, it’s about creating moments that families and friends will remember,” said Chef David Myers.

With its trend-forward menus, spirited beverages, and lively ambience, the Adrift Kaya Sunday Brunch is set to become Delhi’s coolest weekend ritual.

  • Launch Date: Sunday, 14th September 2025.
  • Venue: Adrift Kaya, JW Marriott New Delhi.
  • Timings: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM.

Brix & Barrells Craft Brewery Opens in Whitefield, Blending Beer, Food, and Music

Brix & Barrells Craft Brewery Opens in Whitefield, Blending Beer, Food, and Music

By Hariharan U

Published on August 30, 2025

 Whitefield has a new hotspot for beer lovers and food enthusiasts with the opening of Brix & Barrells Craft Brewery. Spread across 30,000 square feet and designed to seat 500 guests, the two-story venue combines craft brewing, global dining, and live performances, setting a fresh standard for Bengaluru’s ever-evolving beer scene.

At the heart of the brewery lies a 3,500 sq. ft. microbrewery serving six in-house brews  from Hefeweizen and Stout to IPA, Wheat, Lager, and American Pilsner. Each beer is crafted with precision to cater to both casual drinkers and true connoisseurs.

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The design of Brix & Barrells draws heavily from nature and international inspirations. Light-filled interiors, water walls, and lush greenery indoors and outdoors create an inviting escape from the bustle of the city. A sprawling central bar anchors the space, encouraging conversations and social connections. Adding to its charm, the brewery is pet-friendly and even features a curated menu for furry companions.

The vision behind Brix & Barrells comes from its founders and managing directors, Mr. Arvind Murthy, Mr. Daksh Vedanth Gowda, and Ms. Renuka Limbavali, supported by business partners Mrs. Beena Arvind and Ms. Pragna Saahithya. Leaving behind their professional careers to follow their passion for brewing and hospitality, they’ve created a community-first destination.

Sharing his excitement, Arvind Murthy said, “Brix & Barrells is our vision of a space where people come together to share conversations, good food, and great beer. Whitefield has such a dynamic beer culture”.

Adding to this, Daksh Vedanth Gowda noted, “We’re excited to add our own signature brews to it, each crafted with passion and detail. At the same time, we wanted to go beyond the pint, offering a global culinary experience and a welcoming atmosphere that makes Brix & Barrells a true destination for the community”.

The culinary offerings match the ambition of the brewery. With over 200 dishes, the menu draws from Asian, South Indian, Italian, and continental influences. Highlights include smoky tandoori platters like Achari Mushroom Tikka and Malai Broccoli, fiery delights such as the Naga Ghost Seekh, and comfort classics like the Chicken Smash Burger.

The drinks list extends beyond beer, with a range of innovative cocktails. Guests can sip on the tropical richness of Mango Madness or enjoy the tangy kick of Tonic Twist, alongside craft beers like the smooth Heavenly Suspension (Hefeweizen), the refreshing Wit Wall (Wheat), and the crisp Punch Line (Pilsner).

With its blend of craft brewing, diverse food, and live music, Brix & Barrells positions itself as more than a brewery, it’s a destination where Bengaluru’s community can connect, celebrate, and unwind.


Cellar & Cup Debuts at AIPL Joy Central, Offering a Premium Café Experience in Gurugram

Cellar & Cup Debuts at AIPL Joy Central, Offering a Premium Café Experience in Gurugram

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 30, 2025

AIPL Joy Central in Sector 65, Gurugram, has welcomed Cellar & Cup, a 2,250 sq. ft. European-inspired café on its first floor, blending European elegance with Northeastern warmth. The café-restaurant is designed as a haven for coffee connoisseurs, food lovers, and wine enthusiasts, offering an eclectic mix of global flavors and curated experiences.

Sourcing its coffee from the lush estates of Meghalaya, Cellar & Cup highlights a rich, earthy brew that pairs seamlessly with fine Italian dishes, handcrafted sourdough pizzas, and an exclusive range of Georgian wines, a rare indulgence for wine enthusiasts in the city. The interiors reflect a contemporary European charm with wooden accents, warm lighting, artistic wall murals, and cozy seating, creating a welcoming yet vibrant ambience.

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Speaking on the new addition, Ishaan Singh, Director at AIPL, said, “With this new addition, our endeavour is to craft experiences that go far beyond dining. AIPL Joy Central has already emerged as a perfect F&B hub with multiple options and some of the finest brand names, making it a destination in itself. Our vision is to create spaces where people can connect, unwind, and celebrate life in settings that are vibrant, welcoming, and memorable.”

Adding his perspective, Aman, Founder of Cellar & Cup, shared, “Having ventured into the restaurant space earlier, Cellar & Cup marks my second step in this exciting journey. With this concept, I wanted to create something more immersive where specialty coffee, eclectic cuisine, and fine wines come together under one roof. It’s about building a place that not only serves but also inspires people to connect, unwind, and celebrate life in a vibrant yet welcoming ambience.”

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The opening of Cellar & Cup reflects AIPL’s vision of developing lifestyle-centric destinations that go beyond dining to foster culture, community, and meaningful experiences. With its unique combination of artisanal coffee, global cuisine, and fine wines, the café is poised to become Gurugram’s latest go-to spot for those seeking refined flavours and a relaxed yet lively atmosphere.

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