Well here is a quick life / work update. We are exiting The Old house, which we barely ran for 8 months. And in other news, we opened in new bar in July, in Hyderabad. Bar Stormy. While I can talk about the opening of Bar Stormy, with all the gusto and excitement, but this one is about the closure, the loss of money and effort aside, this failure taught me much more than any other business.

1- Assesing the location / city / country from an ubaised lens. The obvious love that Yangdup has for Nepal surely swayed us into this direction. The choices we made hence kept us in that lane. The love for the city, its architecture , culture, took over, and we lost our vision somewhere in the middle.

2- Too many cooks. The age old adage too many cooks spoilt the broth is a fact. The lesser decision makers the better. In each and every aspect of the business, one doesn’t need more than 2–3 team members with the vision. Apart from the pull and tug of personalities, a big part of getting your vision to reality, is to protect it!

3- Courtship period. Take your time to know your partners / their motivations, vision and dreams. I learnt that just “liking” their company is not enough. You might have many things in common, and still not have the values aligned. Its very much like choosing a life partner, with a distinction of not having to deal with the in laws ( lol)

4- Have an exit plan. Just like a Prenup, your contract needs to have the ‘worst case” scenario. And that needs to be discussed in B&W. This was one of our first lessons while signing up for Sidecar. My Father in law, who was an accomplished financial advisor, and his friend another starlwart in the indutry helped us draft the contract, and it was one of the best advice we got during signing up, and hence have followed it since.

5- Do everything above board, with paperwork. I have seen so many businesses break up because of not having the papers being in place. The landlord deeds, to partnership agreements to all the rest of it. Its also a sign of a longterm vision and partnership if you and your partners take these guardrails seriously.

And lastly I would say, that the so called ‘ expansion” or ‘buy out” comes at a cost. If you are not ready to sacrifice your time away from family, or put your other business in the background, or just not to be your own boss anymore, then go for it. But if you are like me, who still appreciates an afternoon nap, with a book, or a leisurely lunch with friends then its an easy choice.

While we all are going through a constant learning curve, and have our own say hits and misses, its the unusual barrage of “end of the year wraps”/ almost social media overdose of learnings that prompted me to share my top 5/ top of mind thoughts -

1- Movement and love for regional flavours in Indian mixology is at an all time high. While that’s heartening to see, pls remember to look at the consumer/ guest lens of repeat orders, taste balance, and presentation. I don’t want an Achar picante, garnished with matthi pls. It might have virality but look at business sustainability.

2- I am all about a seasonal menu but that sources responsibly. If you are saying you are supporting the farmer and ordering your Kokum or Gud from an online aggregator, re look at it.

3- Do not make a menu that pleases your own ego. If your cocktail bar does not sell 90% of its own signatures, then re evaluate and revisit.

4- Speaking of re evaluation look at your own HR policies, do you give paternity/ maternity break, do you have regulated man hours and shifts. Do you support women to work in your team. Are you a progressive company that self asseses its own policies and culture. To me happy teams make happy bars.

5- Lastly, days of lip service on community and upliftment are done with. If you are truly invested in it, put your money where your mouth is. If brands chose not to invest in bartender training, trade shows, and bar programs that focus on bartenders, and bar upliftment, and use Bartender competitions as another sales tool, and social media marketing then you know, their heart is not in the right place.

Hear’s to happy endings, and new beginnings.

They say it takes a village and it truly does.

The Old House is a labour of love, a collective dream, that took a year to shape up. There were way “too many to count” trips, calls, meetings, site supervisions, and much more, but this below is the BTS of the last month pre opening that was charged with adrenaline, deadlines, long work days, no breaks, and insatiable passion to create an amazing bar.

The Old house is housed in the OG Old house, which ( as the name suggests) is truly an Old house. More than a 100 year old building, under the shade of a massive banyan tree, this place is big on character, history and charm. And so we went on to create a space that pays homage to Newari culture, cuisine, and craft.

Funnily coming from the fact while I always have “way too many” words, in this case when I think back the journey, I am overwhelmed about where to begin, and hence I thought I will share a set of BTS images with y’ll.

Here below is my little photo journal to capture some of the madness and the magic.

1- The first plate — Chef Ashish and Abhishek, part of the OG Old house team. The nicest people ever. Always smiling / always feeding.

2- Divine blessing by monks. This is a ritual we have followed at all bars, but at Old house it was extra, because all my business partners are Lamas :) But this feels like home, as I have had such an early initiation into the pratices and rituals and every venue we have opened has had Lama’s dropping by regularly :)

3- Dhendup Lamas rare picture. He is truly a behind the scene guy, doesn't want to be photographed, or spoken to, and hence I feel the genius in the plates he creates. His butchery skills are legendary, with in-house ham, sausages, to all the cuts and chops, Dhendup brings together The Old House gastro magic.

4- Creating ice from scratch and the happiness after testing the 18th one! Kathmandu doesn’t have a block ice supplier, and hence our quest to create that perfect cube!

PS — Lopsang Lama is a trooper. 7 years ago, he joined us as a trainee, and is now the Group Operations head. Not only is he a very creative, hardworking person, but he is also one of the most positive people! “Ho jayega” ( will make it happen) should be his middle name. PPS- An equally excited foodie, eating out with him is a joy!

5- Trainings — everyday 4 sessions with the team. Hectic menu readings. This is our baseline.

7- 2 Days non stop shoot. We shot from 10 am- 8pm and realised we still needed more!

8- Mis -en- scene/ setting the venue/ creating the vibe .

9- Tea breaks, with chat GPT menu drafting. A lot of fun in the middle of very hectic days. But ya Chat GPT menus were hilarious ( thankfully we ditched them !)

10- First day greeting at the gate. The day we opened, and Yangdup showing us the way. ( phyically and spiritually!)

11- Mock service. Showing how its done.

12- More gyan — Everyday trainings, discussions, chats, interspersed with anecdotes, and the most hilarious Nepali WSET spirits version.

13- Delicious team lunches — Daal Chawal experience of Nepal is unmatched.

14- Blessings day and first pic — Had to. ❤

15- Some more gyan — Talking about Culture, ethics, our value pillars, and mission and vision statements. Key to align everyone towards the singular goal. My Chi.

16- Testing furniture / also too tired to stand!

17- Testing uniforms — Desal lama, our firebrand business partner/ and also my kindred spirit. Apart from being entrepreneurs, moms, wives we both share many common goals/ vision.

18- Starting prep for trials — Much work had to be done on this, as many ingredients/ and spirits that we take for granted in India are not available in Nepal.

19- Many jhol momo were consumed in breaks- had to ❤

Fin .

To know more follow -

https://www.instagram.com/theoldhouse_nepal/

After a year of scouting locations , which is mostly checking out all the up & coming, old & forgotten neighbourhoods all over Delhi NCR which in itself is quite an adventure at times, with tons of amazing meals ( my fav part!). In the end we circled back to the place in which The Brook resides.

A long circle back, because yes we first came to this spot in 2011, then almost signed up in 2020, and finally got it in 2024. If this is not perseverance ( or stubbornness) then I don’t know what is. It's a quiet neighbourhood in an upscale area, and we couldn't be more chuffed. Mostly because the view from all sides is green, with a ton of sunlight. Just as God intended it to be. We got lucky ( in location) third time around!

Coming to the concept, we went all out and followed our heart to the mountains. For a first in India creating a bar entirely from the Indian perspective, and keeping it contemporary, modern, and not falling for the obvious tropes was a tough one. If you are mountain person( like me) who loves the aroma of pinewood, the crisp coolness, the happy folk songs, and great culinary delights, then Brook is your kind of bar. Our inspiration is the Himalayan region, and we have showcased ingredients, methods, culture that is rare and precious. For this bar is special, as we foray into being a bar that can hold a seat of its own, like a person.

Much to our delight we ended up creating exactly what we love in life, and the direct translation of that is unmatched. The great part is that universe came together and gave us some of the best collaborations and friends who came together to make The Brook, like Royal Enfield doing the artwork, NoMore doing the uniforms, to our old architect Allied Designs bringing our imagination to life, and finally Gautam Nijhawan my husband, who lives, breathes food , and partnered with us to bring the culinary experience to life.

This bar evokes much familiar emotions like reading a rusty old book, in a log cabin with a cuppa and a blanket or playing Jenga late into the night surrounded by family and friends with the same stories repeated a 100 times, and laughter that echoes much after everyone has been tucked into their cozy beds.

#IYKYK

Delhi is unique, or maybe its just any other metropolis, where the upper echelons of the society mingle with their own and hence “someone” knows “someone”” at all times.

Well six degrees of separation aside I am referring to the entitlement that comes along with all the OG Dilliwalas. This is a very unique situation for us Bar owners, who have a hard time, saying No to anyone, as they are all “someone”! Delhi for your quick reference is the captial city of the most populous country in the world, with bureaucrats, and business owners, politicians ( both in power and opposition) and revellers, all hang in the same handful places. It is HQ. Period.

Now for all the pomp and show and obscene flaunting of power and money aside, I love my Delhi ( pls refer to the story Delhi O Delhi) but when we first opened Sidecar ( in 2018), we weren’t prepared for it, and I feel like even now, almost 8 years down, we are still bad at this. This massive ask to fawn over the famous, or influential is not us.

In fact one of the appeals in our bar, our ethos, our pillars is based on the song — I Love this bar- by Toby Keith , the lyrics of which are pretty self explanatory with —

“We got cowboys
We got truckers
Broken-hearted fools and suckers
And we got hustlers
We got fighters
Early-birds and all-nighters
And the veterans talk about their battle scars”

And many a regulars love us for exactly that.

While we have had the privilege of hosting A listed politicians to Billionaire start up founders and CEOS we have always treated all our patrons as just that. Patrons.

Though in full declaration on an occasion or two, I had a hilarious interaction where I called “someone” . Circa 2015 we were screening IPL at our Bar in Gurgaon, and the broadband signal was too weak. I ended up calling the CEO ( who was a regular and was at the time in Argentina!) to help me with the speed, and he did! Well I screened the match to some very happy patrons, who had filled the bar with much excitement to watch the finals. I later sent a thank you and an apology, to which the CEO responded saying, “next time I hope I get a barstool”

Circa 2013 I realised ( thanks to the location that we picked) I will need to work on bringing in the hoards of crowds that we imagined to get. ( the dreamer that I was!)

It had to be built. We had zero walkins. And so we gathered Musicians, Quizzers, F&B enthusiasts, Art lovers, Book readers, and basically set out to find our tribe. And they came. It all started with one musician who happened to stumble upon our bar and met us, and like they say, rest is history. Open Jam nights, sponsored by Jameson ( thanks to my ex boss) helped us create some buzz. Then came International Women’s day, 8th March, and along came more people who thought alike, had the same worldview, and loved the concept of a bar for free thinkers.

Communities are your collaborators. Our latest one at The Brook, is definitely one of my favourite. With Royal enfield commissioning an art piece to create The Brook ( a river in the mountains) is one of the prettiest art that we co created.

Artwork by Julie Kagti- Himalayan Knots

Another collab we pulled off was Makaibari Tea estate. Creating a special Tea Cocktail menu with the very rare and unique Summer Solstice tea. Not only did the estate invite us to select our own patch / or as they call it Kodo, just like wine, how Terroir plays such an important role in the tea production. We ended up co creating a special menu, with stunning cocktails, and a beautiful tea which was retailed from the bar for a short period of time.

Subko Coffee was another such collab that worked out beautifully with the founders working every detail together , and the final product being the Mini Subko co created on our 1st floor, at Sidecar.

Rahul Reddy — The Co founder of Subko

I can go on and on about the incredible people we have had the pleasure to work and know, but mostly what has been a common factor in all these is much mutual respect and love for each others work, and also very similar ethics and value system. It's funny, all the above collabs started with a drink at the bar with the founders / heads, who ended up becoming friends for life.

Diary entry — June 2024

As I sit next to my dad, while he takes a post brekkie snooze on a Thursday, its sureal. Never have I ever seen him lie down in the middle of a working day, quietly in his own thoughts, as a sweet slumber takes over him.

He is struggling. We all are. But his pain is unreadable, unthinkable, unexpressed, as he has lost his speech, he is muttering something, trying to say something, but we cant understand. We answer in our own way, imagining what might he be saying. When he says hello, namaste, God bless, those words are golden for us. Those are the days that make us happy. Mum whispers, “he is getting better” , “he is responding”.

My papa was a man of many words, some would say one too many. Always extra on chattiness, and over curious. Infact post his first surgery the head of Nuero, his doc, asked — Is this his normal self ? Does he always talk this much? And my mum said, he is a bit low these days . At every Chemo, he knew every nurse, every attendant, all patients and their families around him. I had to request him to listen more and talk less before every doctor meeting, as the doctors, weren’t too excited about this patient who has so much to share. Today looking back it makes me smile. and stabs my heart seeing him like this.

But no. I am not writing this to make you feel sorry for him, or his life. He is a fighter, always was, and today he is fighting to be better everyday. And thats what he taught me. Let me restart.

This here is my Papa, who we all lovingly also call Popsi. He came from a family of well established landlords who the Brits called ‘Lambardars” or “Numbardars”. His forefathers, who possessed massive lands and much property spent it all living lavishly through the 30’s 40s and 50s. Threw massive banquets, and lived recklessly to say the least. And not much to everyone’s surprise, by the time, my father was about 5 YO, they were almost left with nothing but huge debts.
He recalls his early school years when he studied with one book the whole year, borrowed notebooks, pencils, and pretty much everything. Infact he was sent to school with no meals, and only a few chanas (whole roasted chickpeas) in his pocket, which he was mostly ashamed to eat in front of his peers, and ate them alone. He worked really hard to get an education, finally completing his MA , B’ED in English, and topping his class.

This above photograph was taken in Kanpur, in 1974, when he had recently got enrolled in the Indian Armed Forces. Infact to commemorate the occasion he got this picture taken, in a studio borrowed Jacket and Tie. He served in the Indian Air Force, took us around the country every few years, and best of all is that my growing up years were one massive adventure, full of picnics, treks, long train rides, books, and many many sights and sounds India has to offer.

At the age of 47, he decided to take an early retirement and fullfill his lifelong dream — To open a school.

With all their earnings and savings and then some, mom and dad opened a small school with 30 kids, that has gone on to 800 kids today. He enjoyed every bit of his entrepreneurial journey, was supremely focused, disciplined, never missing a day, and loved every bit of it. The sparkle in his eye was because, he was massively excited for the next day and whats to come.

The one thing he always told us all was- “Never give up” and I know it sounds preachy, but, now I realise, how he never gave up his studies, never gave up hope, and never ever gave up his dreams.

In fact so much so, that he has played a vital role in my entrepreneural journey. Having his constant support, his words of encouragement every time we would get a chance to catch up, first things out of his mouth wasn’t — How’s married life, or How is Viraj, it was — How’s the sale, How is the footfall. He has always been my biggest cheerleader, and I would say this without any doubt in my mind, that if it wasn’t for that phone call I made to him in 2012, telling him I have resigned, and him asking , “It feels lighter no? And go ahead, I will always be there “ and he was always there.

I probably wouldn’t have done it, if it wasn’t for that call.

Post note

Diary Entry — 5th Sept 2024

Goodbye

Dad left us. He was sedated and looked so peaceful. I am grateful for the fact that in this time we were able to say goodbye. To say, you can leave. Its fine, we will take care of your Premu. She will always be the center of his universe, and now its our job to take care. I told him I loved him, probably more than anything else, because this was the only truth. I couldnt say more.

We had a funeral, and all other rituals, but his coursemates, the ’81 Jaanbaaz gave him his best send off. With 4 wreaths from AOC , 2 units, and his course mates. With an India Flag on himself, I know he would have been super chuffed.

Love you popsi x

While many of those moments have come true, in my heart of heart I also know, that I have enjoyed living my dream so much, ( as I go on to do that), I dont really look at the final goal. The day to day is so incredibly rewarding, that you look forward to the day coming up, v/s the trip/ the event / or the milestone.

One of the most cherished moments of my life, happened last week. Standing next to @cocktailmaestro and @peterdorelli was a dream come true. Thanks to the incredible support of the most amazing folks at @altamuradistilleries

Let me tell you that little story, it was 2011, and the Global World Class finals happened in New Delhi. @thespiritedmonk and his company Cocktails and Dreams were handling all the bar set ups, and bar backs.

The little me was beyond intimated and saw the jury ( including these two fine gents) from a distance, and didn’t have the courage to walk up or introduce myself. I was content to watch the larger than life bar competition from a distance, and today to be able to enter @cocktailmaestro bar @thedonovanbar and stir a martini for @peterdorelli was life changing.

As I go on to judge the India World class finals tomorrow, I say this to all who are participating, and all those who are watching from a distance, keep the dream alive.

Disclaimer No 1- Not a definitive “list” by any standard, Not brought to you by anyone or any Jury- just by your lonesome author.

Disclaimer No 2— My personal favourites growing up in India. Full disclosure I am a fauji kid , who has been to 8 different schools. In no particular order, and mostly collated for a chuckle and wee bit nostalgia ( heres looking at you 90’s kids).

Disclaimer No 3- My late teens, and early 20’s I studied and then worked in Delhi, mostly between Def Col, Lajpat Nagar and Safarjung Enclave, and hence the collection is skewed towards my hometown. Bangalore, Bombay Cal, Hyd were cities I frequented and have some of the fondest memories, and closest friends.

1- Someplace Else — This bar in Park Cal, Park Street is an institution ( the kind you dont want to come out of!)

Many don’t know this, but when we first created Speaks ( our first born — bar) , it was this Bar that we referred to the most to our architect, designer and even our chef. And not for the drinks, layout or space, but for the much widely used word in todays discourse- Vibe.

Unmatchable vibe, was created mostly because of the amazingly talented and crazy good Live band programming of this place, and back then if you entered Someplace, you mostly knew someone, and had the best time. Of course, the bar manager Gautam was special. He knew who we were, who you wanted to a meet ( or not!). They dont make ‘em like them anymore.

2- 4S- All of us elder millennials, who grew up and teenaged in Delhi between 2005- 2010 will relate hard. Not for good drinks, or ambience, but for the super friendly staff ( some actual senior citizens, serving you the best deals). This was the bar you went to at the end of the month, when you could hardly afford a Nirulas hot shop pizza, or a doner kebab, but always a good one for a few drinks with the friendlies. In 500 bucks you were all set to TLR ( the one and only THE LIVING ROOM in Hauz Khas, much before Haus became HKV ) the night away.

3- Blues — The only reason for us to venture out to CP and admire how beautifully Lutyens made it. ( specially at night post a few beers ). This Bar was my actual “first”. In my second year of college, by then we were an established gang of girls, and a few boys, who loved their tipple and few other illegals ( In my defence Delhi legal drinking age is STILL 25, and I can assure you, no one in their right mind ever waited that long, nor did we) discovered BLUES. This was truly a ‘cool’ bar milling with strangers, some working class ( CP pre Gurgaon , was High end corporate), some working girls, a few backpackers ( pahargunj is a stones throw), and then us. One of the biggest draws for us ( apart from their happy hours- 1+1 on 750ml bottles of beers!) was the music. They were the one bar that played classic rock, and actual blues, and which was a unicorn for us. Again throwing back to 2003–2007, hardly any Delhi bars played fun music that we grew up with. From Doors, to Aerosmith, to Rolling Stones, we sang along every song, with much fervour and tried to fit in.

4- Leopolds- At the risk of sounding like a “touristy” list, with much thought, I had to add Leopolds cafe. Though its an all day diner, and not a bar bar per say, I would anyday pick this to go to this time tested, rough around the edges, gritty Irani Cafe, which is more of an legend than any other. Here is where I first had a beer tower contest ( whosoever finished last, had to pay, yes very non DMC (IYKYK) and VERY IRRESPONSIBLE DRINKING) along with delicious steaks , fish n chips. Those memories of meeting up with the “arty farty” of Colaba, and enjoying the banter with the servers, or the table next door, matches to none. It was our version of Woody Allens Manhattan life.

5- Koshys — Very close to the above No 4. Koshys is a Bangalore institution that you cannot not go to. And if you have gone there, you know why it needs to be here. The beef fry and beer aside, the high ceilings, the beautiful building and facade, and the frowning angry waiters ( yes its part of the charm!), you can easily see this place has my heart. I have always loved a bar with a lot of character, and this one had oodles. Infact as unassuming as its tables and chair, we did feel too cool for old school.

6- Ricks- An OG, posh bar, located in the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel in Delhi is named after the very famous Gin joint in the classic Casablanca. This bar was one to make all things cocktails, live jazz, and suits and suspenders look incredibly irresistible to the innocent newly minted early twenty somethings, and opened a new age of martinis and more to our world. This was the bar you came to when you courted someone who is — A- You wish to be seen with B- Could afford a 1000 Rs drink without flinching.

I still have a vivid memory of sitting at the far right corner one busy Thursday night, and scoping the room, and wondering- What a wonderful world!

7- 10D — Stands for 10 Downing street, and I think has been around since I was born, or so it feels. No Hyd trip between 2004- 2008 ever completed without a trip to this oldie but a goodie, that has long served its patrons, and in a state that has long been the biggest consumer of spirits.10D had it all, a cozy neighbourhood bar feel, great rock music, delicious chicken wings, and even better chilled beer. This Bar was abuzz with celebrities like Sania Mirza, to mega Tollywood stars like Nagarjuna. Brimming with new money and much testosterone, this was the bar du jour.

And thus that sums up my very short and incredibly insightful list, with a hope to tell you, that while we can wax eloquent about all the art, craft, et all, but bars are and will always be about its People.

Many have written books, poems, odes, and love songs to the city. We made a Menu- Dear Delhi.

Many of you who know us, and know our story, also know that we were always and always about Delhi. Our dream location ( ref to “Location Location Location” story)

Our love for the city runs so deep, that we ended up creating a whole menu ( series 4) to it, and what a smashing hit it was. ( if I say so ourselves, though in my defence, Sidecar did win the BEST MENU award for Dear Delhi, and incredible love!)

Coming from someone who has studied in 8 schools, travelled extensively and stayed across India, through years, I can say this with full confidence that Yes, Delhi is loud, Delhi is noisy, its also OTT with all the over dressing and obsessive brands flaunting, but its also one of a ‘kind”.

“Kind” being the operative word, as we have seen over the years, how many many strangers have crossed paths at our bars and gone back as friends, and not just that, some have gone on to become besties, travel buddies, and even couples. It comes from their intrinsic nature, that Dilliwallas are highly accepting and non judgemental of other cultures or traditions. There is almost a childlike curiosity that makes them unique, infact I will share an incident that took place just a few weeks back, that stands to that testimonial.

In walks a girl to the Bar ( Sidecar) at 3pm, and asks for cocktail recommendations. And so the bartender goes on to explain that our main bar opens at 5pm, but she is welcome to sit at the cafe and order some drinks. As I walk in, and as is my nature, I walk up to her, and ask if all is good, and if she would like any recommendations etc, and then she goes on the narrate, how she has just landed in Delhi last night, and is here for 4 weeks on a project. She originally comes from South Korea, and to her horror, ( literally! ), ended up watching Delhi Crime. ( a Netflix docu series on Nirbhaya-the Delhi gangrape and murder) and she now intends to get home by 7pm, and hence is drinking in the afternoon! Well well well.

Fast forward to 4 weeks later, as her project wrapped up, she came to say goodbye, and I sat down to have a drink with her. She told me some of the most incredible experiences she had in the city. Starting from going for food walks, to heritage tour, home cooked Indian meals to Qawwali baithaks, Art shows, Weddings and Barhops. It all started with our team introducing her some of the patrons, and slowly but steadily Delhi opened her heart and home to her.

With a tinge of sadness in her tone, as she bid us goodbye with long hugs, and a tearful voice, she said “ I am leaving my Dil in Dilli” ( heart in Delhi) .

Truth be told. Dilli Dilwaloan ki #hypeisreal