Cool ideas for fun-filled Sundays in Mumbai
Sunday brunches are passe. The latest trend is to watch the sun set over the weekend as you relax with a glass of wine.
Aer
If there was ever an idea behind the times, this is it. And we don't mean that in a bad way. Sunday brunches were a typically European concept. The winter sun never rose until late in the day. And who wanted to wake up early on a cold, Sunday morning anyway?
Mumbai isn't Munich. Here, the searing heat begins right from sun up. Summer brunches are hot, stuffy affairs and the city was crying for alternatives. Then, someone had an idea. If it's too warm in the late morning to be sitting out in the sun and the hard partying on Saturday night wore you out, won't it just be better to relax with a martini the cool moments of a Sunday Sundown?
Aer
The factor that immediately sets Aer above the competition-literally-is its location; 34 floors up. The rooftop bar and lounge at the Four Seasons Mumbai makes an offer no one can refuse. The 360 degree view of the whole of Mumbai's midtown includes Haji Ali upfront, the Worli Sea Face and the sealink on the right, high rises at the back and the beautiful, green, Mahalaxmi race course on the other side.
Now imagine a sunset from this commanding vantage point at half-price. Happy hours at Aer stretch from 5:30 to 8 pm each Sunday. This along with the tapas, evening cocktails and an eclectic menu of wine and champagne make the place quite a hit.
Aer at the Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, 114 Dr E Moses Road, Worli, Mumbai - 400 018; Tel: 022 24818000
Azok
The Submerge Sundown Sessions at Azok have gained popularity since last summer. Azok was one of the first places to run the idea. Although the restaurant has lost the 'By Vineet' owing to a break with Michelin-star Chef Vineet Bhatia, its prime location is still a major draw.
The multi-decked terrace with its semi-formal dining section has seen an overhaul and now sports a more relaxed, lounge feel. A big plus for Azok is its terrace pool. The ripple effect of the cool, blue waters, especially when a breeze blows across the deck, adds that extra bit of charm that seals Azok's appeal.
Azok at the Oakwood Premier Mumbai, 29 / 1 JR Mhatre Road, Opposite Iris Park Juhu, Mumbai - 400049; Tel: 022 66238888
Bungalow 9
This restaurant's famed and fabulous Sunday brunch ends at 4pm. During a one hour breather, Bungalow 9 prepares itself for a glorious evening. Patrons can choose from the multi-cuisine menu and well-stocked bar. Of course there is one incentive. A cocktail order between 4 and 9 pm, the Sundown period, gets patrons a complimentary second cocktail and… wait for it… an appetiser to boot. It helps that Bungalow 9 is an utterly charming setting. This former tobacco factory now sports a leafy courtyard, rustic indoor dining area, tavern-style bar and wooden balcony and sloping roof.
Bungalow 9 Bar, Sr.John Baptist Road, Bandra (west), Mumbai: 400 050; Tel: 6117 9999
Gadda da Vida
The name comes from the 1960's rock song, where the singer allegedly mumbled 'Garden of Eden' in a druken haze. Located at the Sofotel near Juhu, Gadda da Vida may well be the garden of Eden for the neighbourhood's well-to-do.
The restaurant turns into a relaxed, chic lounge overlooking the magnificent Arabian Sea. The best part is Gadda da Vida is quite distant from the more frequented parts of the beach giving you a quiet place to put your feet up. There are a variety of wines, whiskies and cocktails on offer. Here too, the management has a two-for-one happy hour on offer at sundown. The lounge's contemporary dcor, soothing music and an unrestricted view of the sea are all pluses.
Gadda da Vida at the Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, Balraj Sahani Marg, Juhu Beach, Mumbai - 400049; Tel: 022 66934444
Escobar
The theme at Escobar is 'white'. Visit the place on a Sunday evening and you'd be forgiven for thinking Escobar is the city's newest and hippest club pulling in the who's who. It looks its best about an hour before sunset. The all-wood dcor, vast terrace space, great music and a 77metre long bar are the perfect combination for a relaxed evening. Enjoy the beauty of a setting sun and the dusky city skyline with Escobar's signature cocktails, fine wines and champagne and delectable globally inspired cuisine. If you go with friends, try the 'Sundown Bucket'. Quite simply, it's a concept that allows a group of four to share a favourite cocktail. And if a celebration is on your mind, you don't have to break the bank either. A bottle from Moet et Chandon, one of the world's premier champagne houses, can be enjoyed for just Rs 5500.
Escobar, 199 - VN Sphere Mall, Fourth floor, Linking Road, Bandra (west), Mumbai - 400050; Tel: 022 42760000
SPECIAL: Explore unique weekend destinations
Mumbai isn't Munich. Here, the searing heat begins right from sun up. Summer brunches are hot, stuffy affairs and the city was crying for alternatives. Then, someone had an idea. If it's too warm in the late morning to be sitting out in the sun and the hard partying on Saturday night wore you out, won't it just be better to relax with a martini the cool moments of a Sunday Sundown?
Aer
The factor that immediately sets Aer above the competition-literally-is its location; 34 floors up. The rooftop bar and lounge at the Four Seasons Mumbai makes an offer no one can refuse. The 360 degree view of the whole of Mumbai's midtown includes Haji Ali upfront, the Worli Sea Face and the sealink on the right, high rises at the back and the beautiful, green, Mahalaxmi race course on the other side.
Now imagine a sunset from this commanding vantage point at half-price. Happy hours at Aer stretch from 5:30 to 8 pm each Sunday. This along with the tapas, evening cocktails and an eclectic menu of wine and champagne make the place quite a hit.
Aer at the Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, 114 Dr E Moses Road, Worli, Mumbai - 400 018; Tel: 022 24818000
Azok
The Submerge Sundown Sessions at Azok have gained popularity since last summer. Azok was one of the first places to run the idea. Although the restaurant has lost the 'By Vineet' owing to a break with Michelin-star Chef Vineet Bhatia, its prime location is still a major draw.
The multi-decked terrace with its semi-formal dining section has seen an overhaul and now sports a more relaxed, lounge feel. A big plus for Azok is its terrace pool. The ripple effect of the cool, blue waters, especially when a breeze blows across the deck, adds that extra bit of charm that seals Azok's appeal.
Azok at the Oakwood Premier Mumbai, 29 / 1 JR Mhatre Road, Opposite Iris Park Juhu, Mumbai - 400049; Tel: 022 66238888
Bungalow 9
This restaurant's famed and fabulous Sunday brunch ends at 4pm. During a one hour breather, Bungalow 9 prepares itself for a glorious evening. Patrons can choose from the multi-cuisine menu and well-stocked bar. Of course there is one incentive. A cocktail order between 4 and 9 pm, the Sundown period, gets patrons a complimentary second cocktail and… wait for it… an appetiser to boot. It helps that Bungalow 9 is an utterly charming setting. This former tobacco factory now sports a leafy courtyard, rustic indoor dining area, tavern-style bar and wooden balcony and sloping roof.
Bungalow 9 Bar, Sr.John Baptist Road, Bandra (west), Mumbai: 400 050; Tel: 6117 9999
Gadda da Vida
The name comes from the 1960's rock song, where the singer allegedly mumbled 'Garden of Eden' in a druken haze. Located at the Sofotel near Juhu, Gadda da Vida may well be the garden of Eden for the neighbourhood's well-to-do.
The restaurant turns into a relaxed, chic lounge overlooking the magnificent Arabian Sea. The best part is Gadda da Vida is quite distant from the more frequented parts of the beach giving you a quiet place to put your feet up. There are a variety of wines, whiskies and cocktails on offer. Here too, the management has a two-for-one happy hour on offer at sundown. The lounge's contemporary dcor, soothing music and an unrestricted view of the sea are all pluses.
Gadda da Vida at the Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, Balraj Sahani Marg, Juhu Beach, Mumbai - 400049; Tel: 022 66934444
The theme at Escobar is 'white'. Visit the place on a Sunday evening and you'd be forgiven for thinking Escobar is the city's newest and hippest club pulling in the who's who. It looks its best about an hour before sunset. The all-wood dcor, vast terrace space, great music and a 77metre long bar are the perfect combination for a relaxed evening. Enjoy the beauty of a setting sun and the dusky city skyline with Escobar's signature cocktails, fine wines and champagne and delectable globally inspired cuisine. If you go with friends, try the 'Sundown Bucket'. Quite simply, it's a concept that allows a group of four to share a favourite cocktail. And if a celebration is on your mind, you don't have to break the bank either. A bottle from Moet et Chandon, one of the world's premier champagne houses, can be enjoyed for just Rs 5500.
Escobar, 199 - VN Sphere Mall, Fourth floor, Linking Road, Bandra (west), Mumbai - 400050; Tel: 022 42760000
