There was a time, when Chennai’s nightlife was considered non-existent by most people. If you and your really good friends wanted to catch up over a couple of cocktails on aSaturday evening, probably you would just think of five star bars or just drive off to Puducherry. But this is definitely not the case anymore. The concept of neighbourhood pubs has taken over the city and you are spoilt for choice. From suave speakeasy to quirky neighbourhood basement bars, the city boasts of some fun places to hangout.
The Velveteen Rabbit, RA Puram
As kids, The Velveteen Rabbit was all about the beautiful book. A new neighbourhood pub in town is named after the popular children’s book and has already emerged as a royal favourite. A nice little cosy basement place just below L’amandier in RA Puram, the place is a great combination of beautiful décor, an interesting and delicious menu and a feeling of absolute comfort. You can relax at The Velveteen Rabbit after a long day at work, drink a few fun and exciting cocktails, eat some specially curated Continental and Indian dishes.
The Code, Grand by GRT Hotels, T Nagar
The era of 1920s was all about flapper skirts and Prohibition in the US. The speakeasy concept came into play, and unlicensed bars started surreptitiously selling alcohol. The revamped Grand by GRT Hotels has come up with a pub based on the concept of speakeasy and it is called The Code. One can enter the bar only by uttering a password (that is passed by the DJ on the social media), that changes daily. Since The Code was taking shape around elections, when there was excessive talk of prohibition, the owners decided to replicate the idea. The only difference is it is pretty much legal, for now!
Radio Room, Somerset, Greenways Road
The whole idea of vintage grunge comes alive at this new place in town. Around 50 transistors, all painted white, are stacked against the bar counter and DJ console. At one end, a large container vessel hosts black couches. You can see light coming out from microphones suspended from the ceiling. Jimi Hendrix in the form of wire art is the centre of attention for many, while Michael Jackson’s glares at you from a bright yellow wall. Radio Room has been attracting a mixed age-group crowd as it plays lot of retro, old school and classic music. If you step in, you will be transformed into the world of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin… interspersed with Adele, Sia and Mike Posner.
The Vault Bar Stock Exchange, T Nagar
Have you ever engaged in trading? If yes, chances are you will find this place a lot of fun and if not, then also it is a lot of fun! The interiors — complete with stock tickers displayed on LED boards like in Times Square, and the Stock Market bull just like the one on Wall Street definitely justifies the name. Enter the bar and download their app. At the start of the day, the bar, using its app, decides on the lowest price of the drinks (a beer was Rs. 100 in the morning). Depending on what people order, the app begins to calculate the pricing of the drinks, based on demand. So if you want your drink to be cost-effective, just order at one shot. With some great music and a spacious basement place, this is a huge hit with the younger lot.
