An aura of secrecy, top class craftsmanship, customized drinks and an engaging yet intimate experience. Well, this is the true essence of a speakeasy bar. Inspired originally by the prohibition era and the success of global speakeasies in cities like New York, Tokyo, and London, Indian bars are embracing an artisanal approach, blending secrecy, sophistication, and immersive design. Speakeasy bars in India today cater to the need of discerning consumers who demand more than just stylish venues or impressive cocktails. They seek fresh flavours, high-quality ingredients, and a touch of theatre—an experience that feels authentic and unforgettable topped with an element of drama and intrigue.
Speakeasies like ZLB 23 in Bangalore, Madco in Chennai and Lou Lou in Goa deliver on these expectations, redefining cocktail culture through creativity and craftsmanship. By integrating these nuanced elements, Indian speakeasies have become destinations that not only delight but also set a new standard for urban nightlife.
The charm of speakeasies lies in their ability to balance secrecy with discovery, offering an experience that feels exclusive yet inviting. From non descript entrances, many a time through small doors, kitchens and alleys to immersive interiors, speakeasies offer a sense of mystery and intimacy. For instance, ZLB 23 in Bangalore, awarded Best Bar in India in 2024 (by Asia’s 50 Best Bars), is a Kyoto-styled speakeasy tucked away within The Leela Palace, epitomises this. Hidden through a working kitchen and operational back-of-house areas, even regular hotel patrons are unlikely to stumble upon it by chance. The interior design of ZLB 23 reinforces its mysterious allure. With rich burgundy upholstery, intricately carved wood, vintage chandeliers, and Japanese-themed wallpaper, the bar exudes a 1920s aesthetic that’s both sophisticated and chic. Chesterfield sofas, custom hand embroidery, and vibrant yet intimate seating layouts add to its immersive quality. The materiality—velvets, bold prints, and subtle neon lighting—further enhances its conceptual story.
Cocktail programmes at speakeasy bars stand apart for their thematic depth and meticulous curation, where every drink can become an immersive experience, almost theatrical. These menus are designed not just to evoke emotion, transporting guests into a carefully crafted dimension of time and place. Speakeasies emphasise craft and creativity, offering bespoke cocktails that align with their overarching
themes. The secret to success lies in selecting a niche and executing it flawlessly.
Whether through rare spirits, hyperlocal ingredients, or avant-garde techniques, speakeasy bars craft a highly personalised and sensory experience that’s as much about storytelling as it is about the drink itself. ZLB 23, for instance, showcases a carefully curated selection of Japanese whiskies alongside impeccably crafted cocktails, in tandem with its Kyoto-themed aesthetic; while Lou Lou in Goa experiments with drawing inspiration from multi-course French fine dining menus; and PCO Delhi’s new cocktail menu – The Forbidden, masterfully characterises one signature ‘forbidden’ ingredient in its line-up.
Indian speakeasies are aiming to be palatable to the elevated tastes of the well-travelled urban Indian. The rise of speakeasy culture nationwide also corresponds with the audience’s demand to have more experiential and engaging interactions when they step out, away from the earlier allure of loud bars.
Originating from the speakeasy trend, bars are increasingly investing in immersive storytelling. Partnerships with celebrated chefs for paired dining experiences further enhance the offering, blending culinary and mixology artistry. This synthesis of global sophistication and local innovation is surely redefining speakeasy culture in India, bringing out its most compelling elements.
Read more about Speakeasy bars in India in my article in The Alcohol Professor.
