Pubs and bars are special places where alcoholic drinks are served. However, Indian pubs are more advanced than third-world pubs because a lot of food and drinks are offered here. There is not a huge difference between Indian and other pubs, but a little bit of a cultural difference concerning offering food and drinks. Bollywood music, signature cocktails, snakes and small plates, a late-night party scene, and themed décor make Indian pubs unique and special compared to other pubs.
Bars are established places where only alcoholic beverages are served, not foods. But they served customers a variety of drinks beyond casual wine, vodka, whiskey, rum, etc., like cocktails, shots, and mixed drinks. Some bars are modern with full fun setups, but others are rough and simple. Sports bars, wine bars, cocktail bars, brewpubs, and dive bars make them unique and special.
The history of pubs and bars
Bars and pubs have the oldest history, dating back to the ancient civilization of Egypt. In Egypt, alcoholic drinks were produced and sold on a commercial scale.
Taverns and inns were the most famous places to meet during the Roman Empire. Here, beverages and cocktails were served to entertain the visitors. At the same time, in Europe, these are known as alehouses, where drinks are offered and people enjoy them with each other.
Pubs and bars get hype during the industrial revolution, when most of the people connected to industry come to socialize and discuss the current issues of industry. They began a hub of political and social meetings throughout Europe.
The pioneer pub bar in India started during Mughal time in 1770. It was a Hindoostani coffee house in Kolkata. This was different from today’s bars as it was a coffee house, not a bar, but beverages and alcoholic drinks were offered here.
In the 1900s, English-style pubs started dominating the market; Harbour Bar, opened in 1933, was the earliest British-style bar in India. After the 1950s, these and bars captured the attention of businessmen, who began investing in them. That’s why the bar industry dominated the market in such a short time. But in certain states, due to religious and social reasons, they are banned.
Types of Pubs and Bars in India
There are a variety of pubs and bars in India, ranging from traditional to high-level classical western bars. There are a few of the most famous pubs and bars.
Sports bars: these bars serve drinks but with the lively atmosphere of live gaming on big screens. People often come here and enjoy crunchy matches with drinks.
Lounge bars: these are advanced and updated bars with a variety of cocktails, drinks, and beverages. They are more comfortable and sophisticated than sports bars.
Music bars: these are recommended for those who like live dance and song performances with mild drinks.
Microbreweries: These are bars specialized in brewing their own beverages and beers. They also have craft beers and pub-style food.
Theme bars: These bars are designed on different theme bases, like the Bollywood theme or the pirate theme, etc. They do so just to amuse their customers by providing them with a different environment from regular bars.
Dive bars: Dive bars are casual and cheap bars. These are big opportunities for the locals to enjoy pub life without heavy payments. They have the opportunity to meet new people and interact with one another.
Popular Pub and Bar Chains in India
Some of the popular pub and bar chains in India include Social, the Beer Café, and Hard Rock Café.
Social: Social is a chain of bars and pubs that has a special blend of game and work. They offered a variety of drinks, including cocktails, beers, and spirts, etc., with spicy food. They organized different events like stand-up comedy and open-mic sessions, etc.
The beer café is known for its beers. All the foreign and local beers are available all the time here, like ales, craft beers, and lagers. They also have snakes and appetisers that go well with beers.
Hard Rock Café: Hard Rock Café is a chain of cafés that was initiated in America but is now a well-organised franchise that is present everywhere in the world. The rock-themed décor is the identity of this café.
Best Cities for Pub and Bar Hopping in India
A country with 1.4 billion people and 36 states has a vast range of cultures. Here are a few of the best cities for pub and bar hopping in India’s different states.
Mumbai: a city with vibrant nightlife and pubs
Bangalore: the pub capital of India
Delhi: a city with old-school bars and modern lounges
These are just a few of the best cities, but a lot of cities have made huge advancements in pubs and bars.
Food and Drink Options in Pubs and Bars
Food:
- Chaat
- Tandoori chicken
- Samosas
- Chaat (savoury snack)
- Tandoori chicken (marinated chicken cooked in a clay oven)
- Samosas (fried or baked pastries stuffed with spicy veggies or meat) (fried or baked pastry filled with spiced vegetables or meat)
- Kebabs (grilled meat skewers)
- Papads (a crispy, thin disc-shaped snack)
- Pizzas
- Burgers
- Barbeque dishes
- Curries
- Chinese dishes
- Continental dishes
- Sandwiches
Drinks:
- Lassi (a sweet or savoury yogurt-based drink)
- Chaas (a buttermilk-based drink spiced with cumin and coriander) (a buttermilk-based drink flavoured with cumin and coriander)
- Beers (including native and foreign brands)
- Wines (including native and foreign brands)
- Spirits (whisky, vodka, rum, etc.) (whiskey, vodka, rum, etc.)
- Cocktails (both conventional and Indian-inspired, including ingredients such as mango, cardamom, and saffron).
Tips for Enjoying Pubs and BarsÂ
Here I suggest a few things that will enhance the enjoyment of your pub and bar visit.
- You must be aware of the drinking laws of the state where you are. Your age should be 21.
- Hindustan is the country’s most diverse culture. You must respect the culture and customs of the locals.
- Be responsible
- Stay safe: you must visit this place with your friends and keep an eye on your belongings.
- Don’t drive after taking drinks.
