Q&A: the hospitality veteran reshaping the perception of Indian bars

The co-founder of 30BestBarsIndia, and CEO of education and consulting firm Tulleeho explains why bartenders are the new chefs and why Irish Coffee is India’s latest top pour. The post Q&A: the hospitality veteran reshaping the perception of Indian bars appeared first on The Drinks Business.

Feb 26, 2025 - 11:55
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Q&A: the hospitality veteran reshaping the perception of Indian bars
Vikram Achanta, co-founder of 30BestBarsIndia and CEO of education and consulting firm Tulleeho, explains why bartenders are the new chefs and why Irish Coffee is India’s next top pour. The co-founder of 30BestBarsIndia, and CEO of education and consulting firm Tulleeho explains why bartenders are the new chefs and why Irish Coffee is India’s latest top pour.

What are some of the biggest trends in India’s bar and cocktail scene right now?

“India’s bar scene is evolving, with greater diversity behind the bar and a growing cocktail culture that is expanding beyond the metros and into Tier 2 and select Tier 3 cities, which are establishing themselves as micro cocktail havens in their own right. Indian ingredients are undoubtedly taking centre stage, shaping drinks that are uniquely local and inspired by regional flavours. The year 2025 is also seeing the rise of Indian bar personalities gaining recognition on par with the country’s top chefs, showcasing the evolution of the industry.”

How did 30BestBarsIndia first come about?

“Having observed the evolution of India’s bar scene over the past 20 years, it became evident that while Indian bars were stepping up their game and exploring new avenues within cocktail culture, they lacked the national seal of recognition they deserved. My co-founder, Radhakrishnan Nair, and I often discussed this gap – how restaurants and chefs were gaining widespread acclaim, but bars and the talent behind them remained largely overlooked. In 2019, we launched 30BestBarsIndia with the mission of reshaping the way Indian bars are viewed and accelerating their growth to the next level. The platform was designed not just to celebrate the ‘best bars’ but also to shine the spotlight on the concepts and individuals driving cocktail culture.”

How did you get your start in the industry?

“In a sense I’d say that I owe it to the Irish. In 1999 a friend of mine and I were sitting at his dining table enjoying some Bushmills. We were both employed at the time, him with a leading consumer goods firm and I in a consulting giant. As we sought alternate avenues from our workplace woes, we stumbled upon the idea of creating a website devoted to reviewing bars. This was a time in India when alcohol was considered a taboo subject for mainstream media to write about.”

How has India’s bar scene changed in the past decade?

“The focus on advanced cocktail techniques and good mixology practices has been pivotal in driving evolution, placing India firmly on the global cocktail map. There’s been a growing trend of experiential-led engagements, which many Indian bars are tapping into. These include more curated and interactive experiences – from cocktail classes, guided tastings, and even secret menus, all to draw consumers in and encourage a level of engagement that goes beyond the passive drinking experience.”

What are the biggest challenges faced by India’s bar operators and on-trade venues?

“The explosion in India’s bar industry, not just in major cities, but also in smaller ones, has exacerbated the war for talent. High-quality bar managers who can emerge as the figurehead of a bar, backed by diversity and quality in the bar, in the form of bar and service professionals, who combine talent with effortless hospitality are very much the need of the hour.”

Which cocktail is gaining popularity at the moment?

“Irish coffee is making a big comeback as the perfect winter warmer. It combines the rich, warming notes of Irish whiskey with the bold flavours of coffee – a pairing that resonates with India’s growing love for specialty coffee and craft spirits, especially with homegrown coffee liqueurs on the rise. I actually had a fantastic Irish Coffee at Lair in New Delhi the other night, which showcased just how versatile this classic drink can be.”

What do all great bars have in common?

“For me, the true test of a bar is how it makes you feel. You know a great bar the moment you walk into it, and that feeling is very rarely disappointment. That makes you want to seek out that same bar or that feeling on every occasion and ensures that you talk about it to one and all.”