Exclusive: ZLB23 Only Indian Bar In Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024, What Makes It A Cut Above The Rest?

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It's the unique blend of creative mixology, exceptional ambiance, and a commitment to providing an unforgettable experience that defines excellence when it comes to bars.

A dazzling testament to the happening Bar scene in India and more appropriately, Bengaluru, ZLB23 has earned its place as the only Indian bar to feature in prestigious Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024 list. A speakeasy bar with a stellar reputation of hosting the most happening Bar Takeovers in the city, ZLB23 has risen through the ranks since it's launch early last year.

This recognition underscores ZLB23's commitment to crafting exceptional experiences, blending tradition with contemporary flair, and placing Indian mixology on the global map.

In a tête-à-tête with Boldsky, Madhav Sehgal, Area Vice President - South India, The Leela Palaces Hotels & Resorts, shares what makes ZLB23 India's best bar in 2024 and what's the secret recipe for their success.

Representing India, A Moment Of Pride

When asked how it feels to be the only Bar representing not just Bengaluru but India in the Asia Top 50 list, Mr Sehgal said, "I am truly humbled that ZLB23 has been recognized as India's Best Bar in 2024 and ranked 40th on Asia's 50 Best Bars list. It is an incredible honour and a testament to our team's hard work, creativity, and dedication. We have immense pride in our hearts, as we created history through this recognition and have put ZLB23 on the vibrant and diverse bar map of Asia".

ZLB23 is based on the core concept of creating curated, exclusive and original experiences and they have consciously integrated this in the day to day functioning of the place. Mr Sehgal said that the team at ZLB23 ensures unique experience to all patrons on every visit. Be it their bar programming, magnetic music or fabled food that they offer, each visit has to be a new discovery. The team feels grateful for their patrons who have showered their love garnering this recognition at Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024.

About Speakeasy In India

For the uninformed, 'Speakeasy' refers to a place where alcoholic beverages are illegally sold, especially such establishments in the United States during Prohibition (1920-33). Since patrons were expected to 'speakeasy' about these bars lest the word gets out in public, the term stuck. ZLB23 is a speakeasy in the modern world and hence the entry to the bar is discreet. Also, a prior reservation is must in order to gain entry.

Mr Sehgal said "When we were conceptualising our next bar, we were looking to create an experience like no other in the country. With ZLB23, a Kyoto speakeasy bar , we are able to extend experiences that are curated, exclusive and original. The three pillars that define experiences at ZLB23 are Prohibition Era cocktails, Magnetic Music and Fabled Food. So, when you are at ZLB23, your experience is not limited to the world-class beverage programming, but it extends further to create a wholistic ambience that harmoniously blends music and food too"

Why ZLB23 Is A Cut Above The Rest

The award for 'Best Bar from India 2024', is a dazzling testament to the superlative experience that ZLB23 offers. When asked about the secret to this success, Sehgal said "From conceptualisation to design, execution and bringing to life, the journey of ZLB23 has been gratifying and memorable. ZLB23 at The Leela Palace Bengaluru now represents the coming of age of the Indian cocktail story, with Indian bartenders creating the best cocktails in the world. It also marks the return of the speak easy bars, the birthplace of cocktails. I am thrilled that ZLB23 is leading this narrative, and we are honoured to receive this recognition"

Creating A Community Of Exchange Through Bar Takeovers

ZLB23 has the unique reputation of hosting some of the best Bars in Bengaluru. In 2023 alone, they managed to host more than 25 such events. From Paradiso (Spain), Handshake (Mexico), Himkok (Oslo) to Employees Only (Singapore), the bar takeovers at ZLB23 have brought in the World's Best Bars to the country.

"With our guests in the focus of all that we do, ZLB23 has created a community of exchange through takeovers with some of the best bars around the world. We have had some of the finest colleagues in the industry in India and abroad come together on one platform to showcase their cocktail story to the evolved Indian consumer. We have built a beautiful relationship with our bar friends. ZLB23 has been travelling too; we have done seven takeovers in the past year, two of which were at international destinations," he said.

The team at ZLB23 strongly believes that the award is a testament to the continuous love, support, and appreciation that they have received from their guests and team. This award shall further solidify the belief in building one of the greatest brands in the world. Rightfully, the credit goes to the amazing team here that boasts of 80% gender diversity. We truly hope that ZLB23 will continue to inspire its patrons, associates, and the industry at large, in its commitment to the craft of mixology and creating world-class bar experiences in India.