Raising a toast to the winners of the 30 Best Bars India 2022, we speak to co-founder Vikram Achanta and the top three awarded bars in the list on the secrets of winning the beverage game in India.
The Indian bar scene is finally coming of age, evident in the growing number of innovative bar concepts, extensive cocktail menus, expert bartenders, global bar takeovers, and award-winning bar venues dotting most metros. And this boom is often validated by acclaimed awards and titles like 30 Best Bars India, that make sure that no big win in the India’s burgeoning cocktail culture goes without a toast!
Co-founded in 2019 by Vikram Achanta and Radhakrishnan Nair of Bar 30 India LLP, 30 Best Bars India aims to raise awareness about the rising standards of Indian bars and beverages on national and international platforms. Based on a jury’s poll of over 250 expert members from across the country, the list honours the top 30 performers that set the gold standard of the bars and beverage service in the nation.
The capital witnessed the third edition of the 30 Best Bars India awards earlier last month, where South Delhi bar, Sidecar, reclaimed its position as the country’s best bar in the 2022 ranking. The top 10 positions in the ranking have seen some significant movement and new entrants. Copitas at the Four Seasons Bengaluru moves up to second position, followed by new entrants Home (New Delhi), Lair (New Delhi), The Bombay Canteen (Mumbai), and Comorin (Gurgaon). Four new entrants, Americano (Mumbai), Slink & Bardot (Mumbai), Hideaway (Goa), and The Living Room by Masque (Mumbai), round up the Top 10.
“Ever since we started 30 Best Bars India in 2019, and then held the two following editions, we have seen the bar industry responding substantially to the list. The biggest draw, I feel, is that these are genuine awards won by the awardees based on their own merits. That is principally why we find that level of enthusiasm and enjoyment in the room each time a winner is announced. It is very heartening for us organisers to see such a response,” Achanta tells TravelDine.
Star of the night
Other than ranking #1 in the list, Sidecar also bagged the titles of ‘Best Independent Bar’ and ‘Best Bar Menu’ at the awards. “Sidecar has always belonged to the bartenders, the fraternity, and our guests. We wanted to create a neighbourhood bar where everyone felt welcome and included, and the last four years have been spent ensuring that we provide the same experience to everyone who walks through the door. Being recognised and awarded as #1 is a huge honour for us, and while it does come with its own pressure, it keeps us on our feet. Our mission has always been to innovate and experiment while also giving young bartenders a place to learn and showcase their skills, and this gives us renewed impetus to continue doing just that,” says Minakshi Singh, CEO and co-founder, Sidecar.
Ask her about the most unique drink on their award-winning menu, and Singh picks Bhumi. “We are lucky to be one of the only bars in the country to have a farm, and hence get access to fresh produce that not only helps us reduce our carbon footprint, but also ensures we follow our mandate of seasonality and sustainability. Bhumi was inspired by a bumper stock of Makroot Lime or kaffir lime that grows in our farm. This drink is an homage to the farm and highlights how local produce can be just as good if used smartly.”
Speaking of sustainability, Achanta explains what it actually means when it comes to taking a sustainable approach in the bar industry. “With India’s cocktail culture evolving every day, Indian bars, bartending talent, brands, and brand ambassadors are now competing on an international level, where sustainability today is a critical point of focus. Indian bars are increasingly focusing on reducing their carbon footprint and looking at business operations from an environmental lens as well. Local sourcing of ingredients, reducing plastic usage, and recycling all kinds of waste are some of the ways.”
Upping the game
Ranking second, Copitas was also announced the ‘Best Hotel Bar’ this year. Beverage manager Sarat Nair believes it is their will to create memorable and engaging experiences for each guest that makes the Bengaluru bar stand apart. What makes it so glamorous, you ask?
“Copitas is an address for those who wish to be seen unwinding in style. Our black and gold blend décor creates a simple but elegant colour palette. Geometrical lighting in gold gives an arresting edge to the bar area, which is the central focal point. However, it is the outdoor patio commanding sweeping views of the tree-top laden cityscape, that is a winner for sure. Finally, our cocktails are inspired by true stories of bartenders and guests as well as the ethos of using every part of the plant — from seed to fruit. That’s what makes our menu so special,” says Nair.
Image: Courtesy HOME.
Santanu Chanda, Group Beverage Manager – PVR Limited for HOME Delhi, knows their biggest strength lies in the unmatched passion amongst the in-house team to create something unique, something memorable. Probably that’s also why HOME Delhi took home the title of ‘Best Bar Team’ along with being ranked #3.
“Our bar team is one of the most energetic, curious, and flamboyant bunch of young talents India has ever seen. What makes us one-of-a-kind is our passion for the craft and taking our beverage program to a whole new level with imagination, creativity, and warm hospitality,” says Chanda.
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