Discotheques in Delhi
Palms (Buzz Factor: 3.5)
The Oberoi Hotel Dr. Zakir Hussain Marg Delhi Tel: 24304221
Float (Buzz Factor: 3)
InterContinental ParkRoyal, Nehru Place, New Delhi 110019 Nehru Place Delhi Tel: 26223344
Float is that kind of place which was ‘there’ not too long ago, but is not quite ‘there’ any longer. There’s music, there’s a dance floor, there’s liquor, there’s everything that you would expect a five–star bar to have. And therein lies the catch. The unexpected factor is the missing link. Still, that shouldn’t stop the free-spirited from having a decent enough time at Float, what with a fair representation of the best in everything from liqueur to whisky. The Sesame Chicken Nuggets here are certainly worth a try, as are the Crostini Ala Brace, the Chardineria Pizza and the Cassata Siciliana — for that sweet taste in the mouth which tops off a complete workover for the palate. A good-looking place, Float is worth a visit.
Mirage (Buzz Factor: 3)
Crowne Plaza Surya Hotel New Friends Colony Delhi Tel: 26835070
The Mirage is one of the liveliest discotheques in town. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday (8pm onwards) and has a distinctly Egyptian ambience. In fact it is the first theme discotheque in Delhi. It is the perfect spot to shake a leg and chill-out. And if you like things a bit more quieter you can relax in the Pharaoh’s Lounge, an exclusive VIP lounge inside the discotheque. If you are an inveterate night Clubber, this is the place for you. This discotheque has the most advanced technology- laser and hydraulic effects- and thus makes this place slightly more happening and expensive as compared to other discotheques in the city. The couple fee at Rs. 750 is the highest and the membership fee of Rs. 25,000 per year hardly deters the party animals. If you happen to be there, do not miss the special cocktail Brain haemorrhage. The disc is open on all the days except Mondays and Tuesdays.
Buoys ‘n Gulls (Buzz Factor: 2)
Vasant Continental,Basant Lok Complex Vasant Vihar Delhi Tel: 26141177
One of the very few bars in a five-star hotel to offer a 50 per cent discount during happy hours, Bouys N Gulls has its own loyal following. Previously known as Cinatra, this bar houses myriad varieties of specialty cocktails to choose from. For those looking for value of money, do visit the bar during 5 and 7 pm. This is an ideal place for those who are looking for some quick bite, the bar also serves Indian and Continental snacks. It’s indeed a happening place with a DJ rocking the bar with some loud music and people dancing on the dance floor. Try the specialty Whisky sour with a dash of Limejuice and Egg white.
Djinns
Hyatt Regency, Bhikaji Cama Place, Ring Road, New Delhi 110066 Bhikaji Cama Place Delhi Tel: 26791234, 26702314
Djinns (pronounced Jinns) is an enchantingly curious hybrid of a pub-cum-disco-cum-restaurant-cum- leisure club. Be it the pool table at one end, the central Island Bar at the centre, or the come-alive mannequins of Marilyn Monroe, Djinns has got it right. Djinns does offer an interesting choice of Lebanese and other fare but it is no La Piazza or TK’s. High on the buzz index, its solus position has taken a beating with a proliferation of bars and pubs in the city. Still, it’s the original. All in all, Djinns is the place for those who love their gins (and tonic)!
Annabelles - Inter Continental
The Grand InterContinental, Barakhamba Avenue, New Delhi 110001 Connaught Place Delhi Tel: 23411001,23709000
Annabelles is open on Thursdays and Saturdays. The nightclub caters mainly to the hotel’s residents and to its members. The crowd consists of professionals of a slightly older age-group. The youngsters often complain that the music here is somewhat jaded.You can step in at 9 pm, specially on theme nights which are organised twice a month.
My Kind Of Place
Hotel Taj Palace, 2, Sardar Patel Marg, New Delhi 110021 Sardar Patel Marg Delhi Tel: 26110202
The popular nightclub at the Taj Palace attracts a not-so-young crowd. You can expect a dash of bhangra and filmi numbers here, along with popular golden oldies. While the young crowd finds it indifferent, what gives MKOP a big advantage over other discos is the fact that it is much more spacious. MKOP is not recommended for wild times, but it is worth an occasional visit.After all, MKOP might be your kind of place!
CJ’s
Le Meridian, Windsor Place, 1, Janpath Road, New Delhi 110001 Connaught Place Delhi Tel: 23710101
CJ’s at Le Meridien has recently been renovated. The decor is a curious mixture of hi-tech gizmos, but the music here is rather good. If you belong to the nouveu riche, or the yuppie club, this is the nightclub for you. The discotheque has a unique concept of afternoon jam sessions on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 1 pm and 5 pm. Recommended for an occasional night out.
SSteel
Hotel Ashok, 50 B,Chanakya Puri, New Delhi 110021 Chanakyapuri Delhi Tel: 26110101, 26116161
Ssteel really steals the thunder for the Ashok. This place has that finger-snapping factor in its favour and has really picked up since its opening late last year. With a happening dance floor manned by the beats of a DJ, the action here picks up in the evening. While there, do try the Caipirinha cocktail prepared with Brazilian rum, and the Classic Mint Julep. The Margarita, though, doesn’t quite have that kick. If food does happen to cross your mind, you can try the Fried Stuffed Mushroom and Murgh Malai Tikka – they’re not a steal, still, you might enjoy them at Ssteel! All in all, Ssteel is hot, it’s happening, it’s high on the buzz index.
CapitOl
Ashok Hotel, 50 B,Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021 Chanakyapuri Delhi Tel: 26110101, 26879802
Perhaps the most swinging nightclub in the Capital, CapitOl (with a capital ‘O’) is the flavour of the current season. In fact, life has never been the same again for the Ashok ever since this bar-cum-pub-cum-nightclub transformed the old whine into a new bottle. With entry restricted to couples, CapitOl favours 70s and 80s Bollywood tunes in the Retro section, and the latest in international beats. The interesting mix on the menu and the choice of Single Malts notwithstanding, it is the ambience here which is the winner. Throw in the aroma of freshly brewing coffee, paintings on the walls, objets d’art on the shelves… and CapitOl is a must-visit, like it is for a sizable section of the who’s who in Delhi. Now, with CapitOl Art Cafe becoming an intrinsic part of CapitOl proper, the added element of art will make most coffee shops passe. All in all, if you haven’t been to CapitOl, you may be hip but you’re certainly not happening!
Dublin
ITC Hotel Maurya Sheraton and Towers, Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi 110021 Diplomatic Enclave Delhi Tel: 26112233
Dublin isn’t quite what Ghungroo was, but it certainly has all the sounds and sights of an Irish pub. With interesting bric-a-brac and separate sections for privacy, it is a happy combination of a techno-savvy discotheque and an old-world watering hole. While Ghungroo loyalists miss the more composite disco of yore, Delhi’s inveterate night birds are often spotted here — though, do be warned that entry is for exclusive members only! Spread over 6,000 square feet, Dublin boasts of the largest collection of single malts in Asia and beers including the legendary Guinness and Kilkenny. However, the food — Grilled Foccacia, Vegetable Fried Wanton with Sweet and Sour Sauce and Kathi Rolls (on a particularly lucky day) –- could certainly improve.
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