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By Nishang Narayan
Published on July 29, 2024
ZLB23, the Kyoto-inspired speakeasy bar at The Leela Palace Bengaluru, has been celebrated as the Best Bar in India and secured the #40 spot in the prestigious Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024 list. This accolade positions ZLB23 as the sole Indian bar in the top 50, highlighting its unique status as the only speakeasy in the five-star luxury hotel category.
A Global Recognition
Opened in February 2023, ZLB23 has quickly become renowned for its curated and original experiences. The bar’s innovative approach has been showcased through over 30 international bar takeovers, fostering a global community within the industry. The Leela Palace Bengaluru, known for pioneering luxury experiences, has set a new benchmark with ZLB23’s success.
Speakeasy Elegance
ZLB23's atmosphere is inspired by the Prohibition era, featuring hidden entrances, vintage décor, and theatrical cocktails that transport guests back in time. Its menu includes prohibition cocktails like the Kyoto Autumn, blending classic and futuristic elements. This distinctive style and experience have been key to its global recognition.
International and Local Impact
The bar's international presence is marked by its bar takeovers across Asia, enhancing its reputation on the global stage. Additionally, ZLB23’s Magnetic Music series has provided a platform for emerging and established artists, further enriching the bar’s cultural footprint.
About Asia’s 50 Best Bars
Launched in 2016, Asia’s 50 Best Bars aims to highlight the best in the region’s drinks industry. The annual list is determined by votes from the Asia's 50 Best Bars Academy, which includes experts and media from across Asia. The ranking reflects diverse drinking scenes, from luxury hotel bars to hidden speakeasies, with a rigorous voting and adjudication process overseen by Deloitte.
The Leela Palace Bengaluru
The Leela Palace Bengaluru is celebrated for its opulent design, inspired by the Royal Palace of Mysore and Vijayanagar Empire. With 357 rooms and suites, the palace offers a range of luxurious amenities, including multiple restaurants, bars, and The Royal Club for personalized services. It is strategically located near business districts and key attractions, adding to its appeal as a premier destination.
About The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts
Headquartered in Mumbai, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts operates twelve award-winning properties across India. Recognized for its luxury hospitality and commitment to excellence, The Leela has been named the World's Best Hotel Brand twice and continues to set standards in Indian hospitality. The brand is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts and the Global Hotel Alliance.
The recognition of ZLB23 as the Best Bar in India underscores The Leela Palace Bengaluru’s dedication to creating exceptional luxury experiences and solidifies its position as a leader in the global hospitality landscape.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on June 8, 2026
Pune’s dining landscape has welcomed a new addition with the opening of NUÈE in Kalyani Nagar. Founded by Chef Pranav Vijay Sawant in partnership with Thousand Pines Hospitality, the restaurant brings together seasonal ingredients, thoughtful sourcing and global culinary influences to create a distinctive fine-dining experience.
Derived from the French words meaning "new" and "bare," NUÈE has been designed around a simple philosophy — the ingredient comes first. The restaurant’s menu changes regularly based on seasonal availability, with fresh produce sourced from select organic farms in Uruli Kanchan. This approach ensures that no two visits offer exactly the same dining experience.
At the heart of the concept is Chef Pranav Vijay Sawant, a graduate of the École Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), Switzerland. Over the years, he has gained experience across hospitality businesses, including managing restaurants and luxury resorts, while also advising on hospitality operations in New Delhi. NUÈE represents his most personal culinary venture to date.
"NUÈE was created from a belief that food should remain connected to its source. Every ingredient has a story; every season has something unique to offer and every dining experience should feel personal and authentic. Through menus that evolve every week, we want guests to discover new flavours while experiencing food that is honest, thoughtfully sourced and crafted with care." says Chef Pranav Vijay Sawant, Founder, Thousand Pines Hospitality.
The menu is built around four culinary pillars, Pan-Asian, Continental, Indian and Earthen & Tandoor. Each section reflects a combination of global influences and local seasonal ingredients. Guests can expect dishes inspired by Southeast Asian flavours, handmade pasta prepared fresh in-house, artisan-style wood-fired pizzas and a dry-aged steak programme.
The Indian selection highlights traditional Maharashtrian recipes that have been carefully researched and reimagined for a fine-dining setting while retaining their authentic character. Meanwhile, the Earthen & Tandoor section focuses on clay-pot cooking and live-fire techniques that celebrate Indian culinary traditions.
A strong emphasis on ingredient quality sets NUÈE apart. The restaurant prepares fresh paneer every morning using A2 milk sourced from indigenous Indian cattle breeds. Organic tofu is also made in-house daily using certified organic soybeans. These practices reflect the restaurant’s commitment to freshness, quality and transparency.
The sourcing philosophy extends to every ingredient used in the kitchen. Produce is sourced exclusively from selected organic farms in Uruli Kanchan, while seasonal seafood is procured based on availability from the Goan coast. The menu evolves according to what is at its best, allowing the kitchen to highlight ingredients at their peak.
The beverage programme follows a similar approach. Cocktails and mocktails are crafted using fresh seasonal fruits, herbs and florals, with ingredients changing throughout the year. The drinks are prepared with the same attention to detail as the food menu, creating a seamless dining experience from start to finish.
With its focus on seasonality, responsible sourcing and culinary craftsmanship, NUÈE aims to offer a fresh perspective on fine dining in Pune while celebrating ingredients, flavours and techniques from both India and around the world.
By Hariharan U
Published on June 7, 2026
Amrut Distilleries has achieved a significant global milestone as its flagship product, Amrut’s XXX Classic Rum, has been awarded The Spirits Business Rum Brand Champion 2026, one of the highest recognitions in the international spirits industry.
The recognition highlights the remarkable journey of a brand that has earned the trust of consumers for more than six decades. First introduced in 1960, Amrut’s XXX Classic Rum has grown into one of the world's leading rum brands, recording sales of approximately 1.7 million nine-litre cases and moving closer to the prestigious two-million-case mark.
The award also underscores the importance of consumer loyalty in building enduring brands. In the spirits industry, a millionaire brand refers to one that sells more than one million nine-litre cases annually, a distinction achieved by only a select group of global brands. Amrut Distilleries currently boasts three millionaire brands within its portfolio, placing the company among an elite group of international spirits producers.
The Spirits Business Rum Brand Champion title recognizes both commercial success and long-term consumer relevance. For Amrut’s XXX Classic Rum, the honour reflects decades of consistent quality, widespread consumer acceptance, and a strong emotional connection with generations of drinkers.
While Amrut Distilleries has gained worldwide recognition for its award-winning Indian single malts and premium spirits portfolio, the company’s foundation remains rooted in creating accessible and high-quality products for a broad consumer base. Amrut’s XXX Classic Rum continues to embody that philosophy through its enduring popularity and market performance.
Commenting on the achievement, Rakshit N. Jagdale, Managing Director of Amrut Distilleries, said, “This honour is particularly special because it celebrates a brand that has been embraced by consumers for more than six decades. Amrut’s XXX Classic Rum has become a part of countless celebrations and memories across generations. Reaching 1.73 million cases and being recognized as The Spirits Business Rum Brand Champion 2026 is a reflection of the immense love, loyalty, and trust our consumers have shown us over the years.”
He further dedicated the achievement to the brand’s consumers, partners, employees, and stakeholders who have contributed to its long-standing success.
Founded in 1948 in Bengaluru by the late Radhakrishna Jagdale, Amrut Distilleries has evolved into one of India’s most respected spirits manufacturers. The company achieved international acclaim with the launch of Amrut Fusion, which helped place Indian single malt whisky on the global map and established Amrut as a pioneer in premium Indian spirits.
The latest recognition for Amrut’s XXX Classic Rum further strengthens the company’s reputation as a producer capable of delivering both globally acclaimed premium products and mass-market consumer favourites. As the brand continues its growth trajectory, the award serves as a testament to its enduring legacy and strong position within the global rum industry.
Mumbai’s brunch scene has gained a vibrant new addition with the launch of Amaru’s Sunday Brunch, an immersive dining experience that combines the bold flavours of Asia and Peru with live entertainment, handcrafted beverages, and interactive culinary experiences.
Designed as a leisurely weekend affair, the brunch brings together flavourful cuisine, refreshing cocktails, live music, and social dining in a setting created for long conversations and indulgent afternoons. Inspired by the culinary traditions of Asia and Peru, the menu celebrates vibrant ingredients, bold flavours, and contemporary presentations that encourage guests to explore a diverse range of tastes.
Adding to the experience is a live DJ playing commercial music throughout the afternoon, creating an energetic atmosphere that seamlessly complements the food and beverage offerings. The combination of music, cocktails, and curated culinary experiences transforms the brunch into an occasion that extends beyond a traditional dining experience.
A key highlight of the brunch is its rotating live culinary stations, which alternate every weekend. One weekend features a dedicated ceviche station showcasing fresh seafood preparations and bright Peruvian flavours, while the next introduces a live okonomiyaki counter where chefs prepare Japanese savoury pancakes to order. These interactive elements allow guests to engage directly with the culinary process while enjoying freshly prepared dishes.
The menu includes a variety of signature creations that reflect the restaurant’s Asian-Peruvian influence. Among the standout offerings is the California Explosion sushi roll, featuring crab meat and tobiko, alongside the popular Rock Shrimp, known for its crisp texture and bold flavours. Guests can also enjoy the refreshing Salmon Carpaccio served with ponzu sauce and wakame, bringing together delicate seafood flavours with Japanese-inspired elements.
For those looking for heartier options, the brunch presents a selection of signature mains. Highlights include the rich and flavourful Amaru Curry infused with Malaysian coconut flavours, comforting Yaki Noodles, and the bold Chilli Drop Chicken, each crafted to deliver a memorable dining experience.
Complementing the food is a carefully curated beverage programme featuring handcrafted cocktails, alongside a fresh juice counter offering refreshing alternatives throughout the afternoon. Guests can also indulge in a lavish live dessert bar showcasing a variety of sweet creations that add a celebratory finish to the meal.
The experience is designed to evolve naturally through the day, allowing guests to transition from brunch into an extended afternoon of socialising, dining, and entertainment. Whether gathering with friends, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoying a relaxed weekend outing, Amaru’s Sunday Brunch offers a destination where food, music, and hospitality come together effortlessly.
By blending interactive dining, globally inspired flavours, and a lively social atmosphere, Amaru continues to strengthen its position as a destination for experiential dining in Mumbai.
Event Details:
What: Sunday Brunch at Amaru
Where: Amaru
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