It’s not a pub, night club or a disco. It’s a lounge bar in its truest form. Located in the heart of our City, Madira is Bangalore’s latest offering where mixology attains a new meaning everyday. The beautiful lounge bar has an interesting concept. Madira serves only alcoholic beverages, finger foods and offers a great ambience that beckons you to unwind with your folks and friends.
Madira has on service eight bartenders, each of who conjure up their signature drinks. Each bartender has been given an individual bar trolley. For instance, bartender Larsen will dish out cocktails and mocktails from his trolley that stocks vodka, gin, tequila and malibu. Bar man Martin’s trolley specialises in drinks with a base of white rum, vodka or martini.
You could pick the mezzanine to be closer to the DJ and to witness some bartending acts. Or choose the open deck if you indulge in open spaces, candle light and Bangalore’s unparalleled weather. Larsen’s Goan Smashed is a sunset blend of gin, malibu and orange juice. Goan Beach Iced Tea with gin, vodka, tequila, malibu and cranberry juice hit the right notes as well. Goan Raindar is a refreshing blend of gin, malibu and kiwi crush. The good part is that the bartender will make your drink understanding your portion preferences, making it the only lounge bar to do mixology on a daily basis.
Bar men Alex and Haokip at the mezzanine bar table conjure up some great jugglery acts, serving a shooter on flame called Kickboxer (crushed litchi, vodka and lime juice). The blue flame makes for an interesting taste.
Martin’s flammable cocktail, Flaming Lamborghini (vodka, white rum, peach schnapps and tequila with martini) is interesting. Imagine a pyramid of glasses placed over the cocktail glass, on fire! One sipped the green-hued cocktail as the blue flame cascaded from the top, creating much drama. The lights are dimmed to enjoy this unique bartending experience.
Other cocktails include Shiny Lily , a heady mix of vodka, rum, Red Bull and cinnamon or Lover’s Night, a mix of passion fruit nectar, sparkling water, Tabasco sauce and a sweet and salt mixture. Long Lizard (vodka, gin, tequila, lime juice, Cointreau and sprite floated with rum), gin-based Blue Sea and flaming Qyps Fountain (white rum and mango juice) are other signature drinks.
The short eats
There is also a great line-up of short eats that can be paired with the drinks. From the old favourites like assorted Kebab platter, Chicken pakodas, Masala cashews and Golden Fried Mushrooms to the light bites like Ceaser salad wrap - the menu is exhaustive. Singapore crunchy prawns, Exotic Tamarind Chicken with Cashewnuts and Tapas of Olives and cheese with pita bread made for a great platter to accompany our drinks.
Managing Director, Rendezvous Restaurants, Sridhar V, says, “Madira aims at giving a personalised service. It’s like your salon. You want the same bar man or you will wait. Our barmen must know you the next time you visit There is no cover-charge or rule like ‘couple entry.’ Once all seats are occupied, we will not take in people.”
The decor
The decor reflects careful attention to detail, especially the deck. The setting at Madira is contemporary with a state-of-the-art kitchen.
A six feet by ten feet projection screen impressively descends from the ceiling when required for a variety of events. World music, underground and jazz play melodious tunes while the DJ has been briefed to catch the vibe around. Valet and parking space are available.
An evening at Madira would approximately cost Rs 1000 per head. Open on all days from 3 pm. Madira is at F & B, 8, Excellency, Papanna Street, St Mark’s Road.
