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.


Mirth Bar Opens in Indiranagar, A Nostalgic Yet Modern Tribute to Old Bangalore’s Pub Culture

Mirth Bar Opens in Indiranagar, A Nostalgic Yet Modern Tribute to Old Bangalore’s Pub Culture

By Hariharan U

Published on September 12, 2025

 In a city buzzing with new-age bars and polished lounges, a fresh entrant is raising its glass to nostalgia. Mirth, a 65-seater tucked just off Indiranagar’s 100 Feet Road, is not chasing trends but rewriting them with heart, history, and handcrafted detail.

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Founded by four lifelong friends, Sundeep Reddy, Arsau Elango, Santosh Balan, and Prasanna Govindappa, Mirth is built on twenty-five years of shared pub memories in old Bangalore. Once just an idea in their group chat, it is now a warm, whiskey-rich cocktail bar designed for easy conversations, cosy evenings, and nights that blur seamlessly into laughter.

Once a corporate office, the space has been transformed into a glowing, golden-lit haven with interiors meant to flow as naturally as the drinks. Every corner carries the imprint of the founders’ friendship, creating an atmosphere that feels both personal and contemporary.

 The beverage program, crafted by Dev Narveker (Petisco, Goa) and led by Head Mixologist Omkar Vidhyadhar Parab, leans into bold signatures and refined classics. Highlights include Pour Me A Slice (whiskey infused with gouda and blue cheese, swirled with cherry and hibiscus sake), Martini Revolver (a tequila–mezcal mix with house-made jalapeño brine), and Slow Current (a chilli-spiced highball with Gundu pepper and sumac). For lighter sips, options like Clear Intention and Lavender Line add a fizzy, playful edge.

“Start light and finish strong, move from fizzy and fruity to bold and boozy,” says Omkar, laying down the path through Mirth’s cocktail map. The extensive back bar ensures purists won’t feel left out either.

 At the helm of the kitchen is Chef Baljeet Singh Mehra, whose stints across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, New Zealand, and top Indian kitchens bring “fusion without confusion” to the table. Expect dishes like Sunny Side South (Mirth’s take on Goa’s Ros Omelette stuffed with Asian chicken, served with Malvani curry), East Meets Mezze (a hummus-edamame-sriracha blend), Crackle Theory pork, and Napoli Heatwave spaghetti in chilli oil.

 Each founder brings a unique flavour to the venture, Sundeep Reddy, active partner at Roxie, blends engineering precision with F1 fandom. Arsau Elango, finance professional-turned-nightlife enthusiast, contributes global influences and music sensibilities. Santosh Balan, with 20 years of risk advisory, adds depth alongside his passion for cooking. Prasanna Govindappa, an IT veteran, returned from global assignments to help carve a niche for Mirth.

Together, their shared history is visible in every cocktail, playlist, and plate. Guests may even catch them at the bar, sipping on Mirth’s signature Old Flame (a sherry-whiskey concoction) while digging into wok-tossed chilli basil chicken. In an age of Instagram-driven dining, Mirth is refreshingly old-school, prioritising good music, warm hospitality, bold drinks, and food that comforts while surprising. It’s a neighbourhood bar designed not for flash-in-the-pan trends but for the timeless joy of gathering.

Location:
 Mirth Bar, 2nd Floor, Ashok Terrace, 303, 100 Feet Road, Indiranagar 1st Stage, Bengaluru – 560038


Chin Lung Brewery Indiranagar Celebrates First Anniversary as a Beloved Community Bar

Chin Lung Brewery Indiranagar Celebrates First Anniversary as a Beloved Community Bar

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 12, 2025

Bangalore’s iconic community bar, Chin Lung Brewery Indiranagar, has marked its first anniversary, celebrating a year of bringing people together through food, drinks, and meaningful connections. Located at No. 1135, HAL 2nd Stage, 100 Feet Road, Indiranagar, the outlet has quickly become a favorite hangout in one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Over the past year, Chin Lung Indiranagar has lived up to its promise of delivering quality food, exceptional beverages, and a warm atmosphere. From milestone celebrations and business meetings to casual gatherings, the restaurant has played host to countless memorable moments for its patrons.

The Indiranagar outlet is part of Chin Lung’s growing network of six outlets across Bangalore, including Marathahalli, Residency Road, New Bel Road, Koramangala, and Gandhinagar. Each outlet reflects the brand’s long-standing commitment to affordability without compromising on quality or experience.

Known for its curated Asian menu and an extensive beverage program featuring craft beers and creative cocktails, the Indiranagar location has won appreciation from both food enthusiasts and casual diners. Its welcoming vibe and versatile setting have made it a reliable choice for everything from lunch meetings to lively evening celebrations.

“For over six decades, Chin Lung has been more than just a bar, we’ve been the heart of countless celebrations, first dates, business deals, and lifelong friendships,” said Prajwal Lokesh, Founder of Chin Lung Brewery. “The success of our Indiranagar outlet in its first year reinforces our commitment to bringing people together through exceptional food, drinks, and experiences. Every pint poured here carries the warmth and stories of our legacy.”

As the Indiranagar outlet enters its second year, the focus will remain on community engagement and enhancing the dining experience for loyal customers. The milestone not only celebrates the success of the restaurant but also highlights the vibrant community it continues to foster in Bangalore’s buzzing social hub.


Raiya’s Fusion of Global Flavours & Indian Elegance Arrives in Delhi

Raiya’s Fusion of Global Flavours & Indian Elegance Arrives in Delhi

By Hariharan U

Published on September 11, 2025

South Delhi has welcomed a striking new entrant to its premium dining scene with the launch of Raiya, a cosmopolitan restaurant that reimagines Indian fusion dining. Officially opened on 5th September, Raiya takes inspiration from the Sanskrit word for treasure, bringing together global flavours, Indian artistry, and immersive design to redefine modern casual luxury.

At Raiya, food is treated as celebration. The menu blends cosmopolitan inspirations with Indian refinement, featuring dishes that embody the philosophy of fusion. Highlights include Mooradabadi with Thinly Sliced Sourdough, a heritage recipe reinvented with contemporary technique, and Pinwheel Ravioli, where ghee-roasted mushrooms meet delicate pasta craftsmanship. The mains showcase indulgent creations like Maharaja Cauli and Royal Spring Chicken, while desserts such as Timeless Tiramisu and Lotus Biscoff Royale Cheesecake bridge tradition with modern indulgence.

The bar too is designed as an experience, offering signature cocktails that surprise and delight. Standouts include Mystic Gold, a sparkling elderflower-based drink; The Hidden Gem, presented in a treasure box with smoky theatrics; and Elixir of Gold, Raiya’s showstopper featuring real edible gold glitter.

Raiya’s philosophy extends beyond the plate into its design. The restaurant’s interiors are a study in duality, one half inspired by India’s cultural opulence with temple-like textures, warm tones, and intricate details, and the other half echoing Victorian elegance through arched detailing, soft lighting, and curated vintage European accents. Together, these contrasting elements create a dialogue between past and present, East and West, and tradition and modernity, offering guests more than a meal, an immersive journey.

Speaking at the launch, Priyam Chauhan, Founder of Raiya, shared, “For me, it is a dream turned into a treasure, built from passion and a deep love for storytelling through food and design. One half of Raiya celebrates the warmth of India, while the other embodies contemporary global elegance. Together, they tell the story of a new India: rooted in heritage, yet confident in its global expression.”

With its distinctive culinary approach and immersive atmosphere, Raiya positions itself as a cultural treasure in the heart of South Delhi, inviting diners to explore its unique interpretation of fusion.

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