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7 Watering Holes to Unwind

Working on a deal, entertaining an important client or just wanting to chill? Here is where you should go

Published: Jan 4, 2010 12:23:00 PM IST
Updated: Jan 4, 2010 12:25:42 PM IST

1 New Asia barSwissotel, The Stamford, Singapore
Singapore tends to be somewhat straight jacketed. But the New Asia bar at the Swissotel is perhaps the most ‘unSingaporean’ place in the country. Located on level 71 of the hotel, designed in hues of gold and amber with huge glass walls and a majestic chandelier, the New Asia bar is one of the few places where you can let your hair down. You have it all — loud music, dance floor, laser lights and cocktails to have a blast. The next time you are looking for a party destination in Singapore, make sure to drop in at New Asia post 11 p.m. You won’t be disappointed.

2 The Bookworm Nan Sanlitun Road, Beijing
Looking for a change from traditional Chinese hospitality? Then The Bookworm is where you need to be. Frothy cappuccino, strong espresso, refreshing tea, multi-coloured cocktails, cold beer, fruity shakes, wine, whiskey or whatever, The Bookworm is a place frequented by intellectuals, authors and expatriates. It’s a place to relax with excellent wining and dining options while you turn the pages of a book from the huge library on offer. Attractions include a yearly literary festival, a book shop and frequent talks by authors.

Image: Malay Karmakar
3 Harbour Bar, Taj Mahal Hotel, Colaba, Mumbai
The stuffy atmosphere of the Harbour Bar has been replaced by a more open ambience. The kitschy little sailboats and anchors, reminiscent of the 1940s have given way to a subtle nautical feel. It’s now a good place to talk deals over. Once you become a regular at Mumbai’s first licensed bar, you won’t even have to place orders — the waiters will take care of you. They have something for everyone. Cigar consseiours can choose between Habanos and Davidoff. And the drinks here are top notch as well. Our recommendation: Try the 1933. It’s a drink made in the bar’s inaugural year. The recipe is a secret. All we know that it has a lot of gin and fruits.

4 Blue Fin Times Square, New York
There’s something about a wholesome view of Times Square. And if you want to take a good look then you have to be at the Blue Fin bar. Located right in the heart of Times Square, Blue Fin’s glass walls are a delight. The signature Blue Fin bright and blue candy in a glass (1.5 ounces citrus vodka, 0.5 ounce blue alize, 1 ounce white cranberry juice — add all ingredients to shaker, fill with ice, shake and strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with Swedish fish) is sure to delight you.

And wine lovers, don’t fret. The beverage team has a 400-bottle wine list with 30 wines by the glass. Says a frequent visitor from India, “The location is just outstanding; check out the women,
tourists or just about anybody in one of the liveliest spots of the world and savour your drink.” For a crazy night on the dance floor or if you just want to hangout with friends.

5 Minus 5 Princess Wharf on Quay Street, Auckland, New Zealand
Here’s a place that believes in living up to its name: An ice bar in the middle of downtown Auckland. If you ain’t headed to New Zealand, you can sample the same experience across Australia, New Zealand and Las Vegas in the US.

A trip to Minus 5 means that you’ve got to grab an Eskimo jacket instead of leaving your coat at the door. This pub remains open all through the season. Don’t worry if you got there without layered clothing. They provide patrons suits, gloves and inners. The drinks menu isn’t very expansive but no one’s complaining. There’s plenty of vodka on offer. Drinks are served in large ice cubes!

And you get to sit on ice benches and admire the few pieces of kiwiana ice-art that are carved into the walls. Rest assured, if you’re looking to chill out, this is literally the place to be.

6 Karma Bar
A funky night club, Karma Bar, is one of the most exciting places in Moscow. Styled in red and yellow with elements of ancient Oriental Culture, karma Bar is sure to give you a high. Live performances, DJ nights, incendiary dance shows, unusual music show and much more - Karma Bar is the place to be if you are looking for a crazy night on the dance floor of just want to hang out with freinds. And as one patron puts it, "it's a place to enjoy cocktails in the company of sexy women."

7 Bryggeriet Sct. Clemens Sct Clemens, Arhus, Denmark
Catch a piece of history at the quaint old Viking town of Arhus. At Bryggeriet, you’ll find a brewery in a restaurant. Actually, the brewery came first, and they serve specialty beers brewed in the
micro-brewery. Don’t be surprised if the owners are shaking things up behind the counter as they double up as bartenders too. If you like to experiment, sample the flavour of the season or if you would like to be conservative in your choice, try their classic beers. As the town grew, the owners have retained sections from the old times, and you can still see the excavations in the basement seating areas.

 

(This story appears in the 08 January, 2010 issue of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)

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