ZLB23 at The Leela Palace Bengaluru Named Best Bar in India at Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024

ZLB23 at The Leela Palace Bengaluru Named Best Bar in India at Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024

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

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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.


ButterBrews Opens New Café in Aundh with Coffee-First Experience

ButterBrews Opens New Café in Aundh with Coffee-First Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 7, 2026

ButterBrews has opened its new outlet in Aundh, marking its largest format café so far. The new space has been designed as an everyday destination, bringing together a comfortable layout, a strong all-day menu, and a clear focus on coffee.

The café has been planned with multiple zones to suit different preferences. It includes an indoor seating area, a non-smoking outdoor section with an amphitheatre-style setup, and a separate smoking zone placed away from the main space to ensure a smooth and relaxed experience for all guests.

The menu offers a premium all-day selection built around fresh ingredients. Guests can choose from breakfast options, healthy bowls, wholesome meals, and vegan dishes, making it suitable for different tastes and dining needs throughout the day.

Coffee continues to be at the heart of the ButterBrews experience. The café uses 100 percent Arabica beans and serves both house blends and manually brewed coffees. It also features guest roasters like Tulum Coffee Roasters and Ground Zero Coffee Roasters, adding variety to its coffee offerings.

Desserts and baked items are prepared in-house at ButterBrews’ bakehouse. Popular choices include the Basque cheesecake and cinnamon rolls, which have already become favourites among guests.

Commenting on the opening, Harsh Agarwal, Co-founder, ButterBrews, said, “ButterBrews, Aundh is our largest format cafe yet. We have built a stronger indoor experience and created clear zones across the cafe so guests can settle in the way they like. We want this to be an address people can count on through the week.”

Umang Bhimrajka, Co-founder, ButterBrews, added, “For us, coffee has always been non-negotiable. With 100 percent Arabica beans, house espresso coffees and manual brews that rotate speciality roasters, we are bringing a program that balances familiarity with discovery. Alongside that, the all-day menu and our bakehouse desserts complete the experience we want to offer Aundh.”


McDonald’s India Brings Back Limited-Edition Sipper with App-Exclusive Meals

McDonald’s India Brings Back Limited-Edition Sipper with App-Exclusive Meals

By Hariharan U

Published on April 7, 2026

McDonald's India – North and East has reintroduced its popular limited-edition Sipper, bringing back the fan-favourite collectible as part of its app-exclusive Super Sipper Meals. The offering follows strong customer demand earlier this year and is available for a limited time across select regions.

Accessible exclusively through the McDonald's App, the Super Sipper Meals can be ordered between 4 PM and 7 PM, adding an element of exclusivity and urgency for customers looking to grab the collectible while stocks last.

The meals are offered in two variants, catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences. The Veg option, includes a McAloo Tikki Burger, Medium Fries, Small Coke, and Pizza McPuff. The Non-Veg variant, features a McGrill Burger along with Medium Fries, Small Coke, and Pizza McPuff.

Commenting on the reintroduction, Rajeev Ranjan said the overwhelming response to the earlier launch highlighted customers’ interest in unique and engaging experiences. He added that the brand remains focused on delivering offerings that combine value, taste, and memorable moments.

Operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd., McDonald’s India – North and East continues to strengthen its presence with over 295 restaurants and 190+ McCafé outlets across the region. The brand’s latest offering reflects its ongoing effort to create experience-led promotions that go beyond traditional value meals.

By combining everyday favourites with collectible merchandise, the reintroduced Sipper campaign aims to enhance customer engagement while driving digital adoption through its app ecosystem.


Ambience Mall Gurugram Welcomes CoCo Ichibanya to Its Dining Line-Up

Ambience Mall Gurugram Welcomes CoCo Ichibanya to Its Dining Line-Up

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 7, 2026

CoCo Ichibanya has opened its new outlet at Ambience Mall Gurugram, adding a global flavour to the mall’s growing food and beverage offerings. Located on the third floor, the restaurant spans around 3,000 sq. ft. and can accommodate up to 52 guests.

Founded in 1978 in Japan, CoCo Ichibanya is known as one of the world’s largest Japanese curry chains. The brand is popular for its curry-and-rice dishes, offering a mix of consistency and customisation, allowing diners to personalise their meals based on taste and preference.

The launch is part of Ambience Mall Gurugram’s ongoing effort to strengthen its dining portfolio by bringing in well-known international brands. With this addition, the mall continues to expand its options, offering both everyday dining choices and unique global experiences to visitors.

Speaking on the occasion, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said, “Consumer preferences today are evolving towards experiences that feel both authentic and globally relevant. CoCo Ichibanya brings a strong international identity along with an offering that is approachable and versatile. At Ambience Mall, our focus remains on curating a balanced and contemporary mix, and this addition further strengthens that direction.”

With the opening of CoCo Ichibanya, Ambience Mall Gurugram further builds its position as a destination that blends retail with curated dining and lifestyle experiences, catering to a modern and globally aware audience.

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