Before 2024, when you walked into a bar, you’d usually stick to your usual drinks and cocktails. Those who liked to experiment might try the bar’s signature cocktails or ask for something different. But now, knowing what you want and discovering new favourites has a new twist.
Bar takeovers have become a big part of the pub scene, with mixologists from other cities or even countries, taking over local bars. One of the first big takeovers happened when Beckaly Franks from Hong Kong took charge of the AMPM Kolkata bar. Since then, popular spots like Mehico, Miss Ginko, Little Bit Sober and Skai have hosted bar takeovers almost every weekend.
To better understand this trend, My Kolkata spoke with a few people from the alco-bev industry who regularly participates in these bar takeovers.
The rise of pop-up bar takeovers in Kolkata
Ashitosh Narayanan, trade ambassador at Bacardi
In late 2022, after the festive season in Kolkata, Ashitosh Narayanan, trade ambassador at Bacardi, decided to explore the city’s bar scene. Noticing the absence of regular bar takeovers, he took action by organising events at popular venues such as The Bar at the Oberoi Grand, Refinery091, and Madam G. These takeovers quickly caught on, exciting patrons and introducing fresh flavours and techniques to local bars.
Ashitosh emphasised that these collaborations not only developed people’s tastes but also enhanced the bars’ reputations within the cocktail community. “They came to be known as places to experience something special,” he shared. Successful takeovers drew a mix of regulars and new visitors, significantly boosting sales and leaving a lasting impact on Kolkata’s nightlife.
Md Shabaz Alam, GM and chief bar master of Little Bit Sober
“Pop-up bar takeovers not only enhance the cocktail culture in Kolkata but also provide invaluable opportunities for learning and exchanging ideas,” explained Md Shabaz Alam, GM and chief bar master of Little Bit Sober. “For instance, my personal experience with Little Bit Sober’s takeovers in Chandigarh, Delhi and Hyderabad have been incredibly enlightening. These events allowed me to stay updated on what’s happening in the bar scene across India, helping me understand and incorporate new trends and techniques into my work.”
Culinary and mixology innovations
Kimberly Periera, Chief Operating Officer, Pistola
Kimberly Pereira, chief operating officer at Pistola, emphasised the importance of bar takeovers, highlighting how they introduce new and innovative beverage trends to local audiences. “Bar takeovers offer a window into new and innovative trends in beverage experiences that one would otherwise not discover unless they physically travel to a different city,” she explained. According to Kimberly, these events provide a concise way to experience a menu and its concept while also allowing interaction with industry professionals who are shaping beverage culture and trends.
She also noted the benefits for bars, stating that takeovers significantly increase avenues for collaboration. “They help tap into a larger audience and sometimes discover specific interests of people,” Kimberly added. She praised the Indian bar and beverage industry’s enthusiasm and openness to cross-collaborations, which shape cocktail culture through experiences like takeovers, guest shifts and capsule menus.
Economic benefits and challenges
Bar takeovers offer great networking opportunities with industry professionals like guest bartenders and beverage suppliers. These connections can lead to future partnerships and collaborations, helping a bar grow. Featuring famous mixologists and creative cocktails can attract media attention, generate social media buzz and create positive word-of-mouth, thus boosting business. These events also bring in new patrons looking for unique experiences, increasing foot traffic and sales of drinks and food, which directly leads to higher profits. “By focusing on careful planning, strategic collaborations and maintaining high standards, bars can maximise the benefits and ensure sustainable growth,” explained Ashitosh.
Cultural and social Impact
According to Kimberly, guest shifts with a selective signature menu have been very successful in Kolkata, encouraging more people to explore new events in the city. These takeovers allow enthusiasts and bar-goers to immerse themselves in beverage culture by learning different drinking styles or trying new cocktails with unique ingredients not yet available locally. “Bar takeovers on special days significantly impact how the beverage community interacts with certain spirits. For agave spirits, the demand for takeovers and agave cocktail menus is at its peak this month, with Agave Day on July 23 introducing more consumers to the category,” she said.
