Yes, you read that right. These bars are more than 100 years old and they embody the essence of Old Hindustan. Even though the buildings and culture around them have turned towards modernism, these places have kept their charm intact, appealing to their long list of loyal customers.
What bars are these, you might wonder. Well, get ready to get a closer look at them and find everything that makes them interesting.
Bars That Are Older Than India’s Independence
- Leopold Cafe And Bar (1871)
- The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (1903)
- Chhota Bristol Kolkata (1872)
- The Imperial New Delhi (1936)
1. Leopold Cafe And Bar
Starting off with the oldest one on this list, the Leopold Cafe And Bar encapsulates a rich history behind its red banner. This place was first opened in 1871 by Zorastrian Iranis and named after King Leopold of the Belgians. During this era, a lot of Iranis came to India and opened cafes and restaurants, which are now known as Irani Cafes. Some faded away as time went by, but this one stood its ground.
Located in Colaba, this cafe fell victim to the terrorist attacks of 2008 and faced significant damages but recovered in four days.
The Cafe And Bar maintains its authentic vibe of “Bombay” with simple decor and Iranian feels. The staff is always eager to welcome its customers and provide a comforting experience when you visit. Once you’re there, don’t forget to try some delicious cakes after an exotic drinking session.
Established: 1871
Address: Police Station, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Colaba Causeway, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Must-haves: Malts And Whiskey, Tiramisu
Price: INR 2500 for two
Also Read: 11 Of The Best Bars In Mumbai For A Wild Night Out
2. Harbour Bar at The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
This is Mumbai’s first licensed bar decorated with exotic lighting and intimate seating and serves exclusive wines and creative cocktails. It’s located in the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, which is one of the most prestigious hotels in the country.
Harbour Bar serves a premium selection of single malts, exclusive wines, and fun cocktails. It excels at providing a good mix of lush and warmth. Come find a seat by the window, order your signature drink, and take in the breathtaking view of the Gateway of India and the Arabian Sea.
Established: 16 December 1903
Address: Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Must-haves: “From the Harbour Since 1933,” the signature cocktail from the Prohibition Era.
Price: INR 5000 for two
Also Read: Best Bars In Colaba That You Must Visit
3. Chhota Bristol
This place can get a little difficult to locate because it’s hidden away behind the olden-style architecture of the city. The tiny board is no help either. We are determined to put this place on the map because it has so much to offer. Originally called “The Shaw Brother’s (Wine) Private Limited,” Chhota Bristol became the unofficial identity, after the bigger Bristol Hotel that was just around the corner.
Chhota Bristol marked its place in history after completing 150 years in 2022, and it takes pride in being a place for the people. When you enter the place, you will come across their LED-lit menu that displays the liquor selection. It comes off strong on the ear, due to its loud customer base, but listen closely and be treated with conversations ranging from life lessons to national politics and much more.
This bar does not have a kitchen and rumors are that they do not intend to experiment either. This is strictly a people’s bar, where you can sit and have a drink.
Established: 1861
Address: 1A, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Esplanade, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700013
Must-haves: This place only serves drinks, so you can stick to classics like Old Monk and Kingfisher beers.
4. Patiala Peg at The Imperial Hotel
The Imperial is a luxury Hotel in New Delhi and has a variety of bars and restaurants under its umbrella. The one that really stands out is Patiala Peg, which harbors the beautiful Indian culture into its decor and food. The name originates from the oldest Indian tradition of measuring a peg, which amounts to almost 120 ml, four times the standard size.
The same hotel also features the 1911 Bar which is much more modern, with some impressive retro interiors. This place has a large U-shaped bar that aims to attend to a larger spectrum of customers at once. If you love some artistic cocktails, this place will be the right option for you.
Established: 1936
Address: The Imperial, Janpath, New Delhi 110001, India
Must-haves: Multiverse Gin Tonic selection, Single Malt Whiskey selection
Price: Patiala Peg – INR 4000 for two | 1911 INR 5000 for two
Also Read: Whiskey Traditions Around The World
Summing Up
These bars have entertained people for ages and witnessed many changes around them. And while it must have been intriguing to hop onto the latest trends, these bars have stayed loyal to their ancestral origins and we are thankful.
FAQs
Which Is The Oldest Bar In India?
The Leopold Cafe And Bar in Colaba is the oldest bar in India. It was first established in 1871.
Which Is Asia’s Largest Bar In Mumbai?
Lord Of The Drinks in Andheri is Asia’s largest bar, with space that spans 210 feet. The place spreads across 17,000 square feet. They also have multiple branches across the city.
What Is The World’s Oldest Bar?
Sean’s Bar is the oldest bar in the world and is located in Ireland. The Guinness Book Of World Records, where this bar is featured, claims that this bar has been around since 900 AD.
What Was An Old Bar Called?
Old bars were called Saloons or Western Saloons since these were popular establishments in Western culture for people to stop by and have a drink in the United States. The UK and Ireland referred to these establishments as ‘Pubs.” Bar comes from the word “Barroom” which was used by US citizens after 1797 and was shortened thereafter.
What Is A Bar In History?
By the 1790s, citizens of the United States, after its formation, started using the word “Barroom” to refer to saloons or taverns in earlier times. This was then shortened to “Bar” and this is still used to date.
