If you’re planning on opening a bar in Delhi-NCR (that rhymed, didn’t it?), here are an unspoken adage worth your while: you’ve got to keep it different, and what’s different this moment won’t be so the next.
As the city's thirst for new places continues to soar, there’s some new bar opening somewhere almost every night. Great looking interiors and an even better vibe. The man behind the menu noted and celebrated. Drinks piquant and potent in equal measure. People swear by it, before they swear off, only to move to the next new one. And the cycle continues, on and on, and them some more. We, the people, aren’t known for our attention spans. Nor do we swear our allegiance to a place for long enough. It’s the name of a game, and it’s a volatile one. The ‘hot new’ bar of today is a distant memory tomorrow.
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Some places do maintain status quo, though. Not because they do things differently, per se. But because they do them their own way. Take, for instance, The Bar Behind The Sandwich Shop. It’s in Delhi’s Basant Lok market but no branding or Google Tags suggest so. There’s no Instagram page either (not a public one, at least). But should you somehow find yourself there, you’ll feel like home. The music is sombre, so is the lighting. The drinks hit just right. It’s a speakeasy going by all the parameters, though the bar hasn’t claimed it yet. Especially every other place is quick to take the bait. There’s a reason why The Bar Behind The Sandwich Shop is one of the most talked about places in the city right now, and somehow, everyone’s found their way to it.
We sat down with one of its founders, Sattvik Mishra, to talk about the bar, Delhi’s nightlife, drinking responsibly and the joy of discovering a place.
Edited excerpts:
Talk to us about your inspiration behind opening The Bar Behind The Sandwich Shop.
Delhi does nightlife really well, but most of it is built around volume. Loud music, large crowds, energy always on maximum. We love that energy, but we also missed spaces where the drink and the conversation are the heroes. When my partners and I were talking about what to build, we were certain we wanted a bar that felt like discovering a friend’s living room. Intimate, warm, no pretence, no dress code, no shouting over a DJ. A place where you can actually talk, unwind, explore cocktails, and not feel like you are “out-out.” The gap was not physical. It was emotional. Delhi has plenty of bars, but it has very few hideouts.
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How would you describe the personality of the place?
Low key, high quality. Serious about cocktails, unserious about everything else. Intimate, welcoming, slightly mysterious, and proudly relaxed. You walk in and immediately exhale. It feels like you found a pocket of calm in a loud city.
Who would be your ideal patron?
Anyone who values discovery, good conversation, and quality. We see cocktail lovers, experience seekers, and social drinkers who prefer connection over chaos. If someone says, “I hate loud bars,” that’s our person.
Delhi has seen a boom in speakeasies and hidden bars. Why does this format appeal right now?
There is a sense of discovery. A feeling of “I found this place myself.” We are not on social media. We have done no influencer marketing, and we plan to stay that way. We are purely word-of-mouth. It makes the journey part of the joy.
But discovery is only the first step. The product and experience must take over once you walk inside. The thrill gets you in. The cocktails and hospitality make you stay.
How do you see Delhi’s nightlife evolving?
More intimate neighbourhood bars. More personality-led spaces. Less theatrics, less maximalism. Guests will seek comfort, identity, and depth over spectacle. Good drinks, good music, good conversation. Simple is becoming luxury again.
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Are Indian bars finally being recognised internationally? What will put Delhi on the global cocktail map?
It’s already happening. We have been knocking on the door for a while now, and it is time for the world to take notice. Delhi is very much part of this movement. The city has always had a strong bar culture rooted in genuine hospitality and a discerning, loyal audience. Now we are pairing that foundation with world-class technique, creativity, and a confident point of view.
Delhi’s bars do not need to chase global trends. We already have a distinct identity, a balance of sophistication and warmth, bold flavours, thoughtful service, and a guest-first mindset. What will take us even further is continuing to build bars that feel like Delhi, not like imported templates. When we lean into our own personality, our own ingredients, and our own culture of hosting, the world naturally pays attention.
How do you think have men’s drinking habits in India evolved?
The Indian male drinker today is curious and more open-minded. It is no longer whisky-soda on autopilot. There is interest in tequila, mezcal, rum, craft cocktails, vermouths, amaros, and low-ABV drinks. There is less ego in liquor choices. Taste over bravado. That shift has changed the entire bar experience.
What spirits or cocktails define the moment, and what is next?
India is having a tequila moment. It is the spirit of the season. Clarified cocktails and clean profiles are everywhere. Next, we believe rum returns strongly, agave continues growing, and guests lean toward simple, elegant, spirit-forward drinks. Less theatrics. More balance and technique.
How is the modern drinker approaching alcohol with a health-conscious mindset?
Guests enjoy drinking, but they do not want drinking to take over their lifestyle. People are pacing their drinks, choosing cocktails over sugary mixers, asking great questions about ingredients, and leaning toward clean flavours. It is not about less fun. It is about less compromise the next morning.
How can bars promote responsible yet enjoyable drinking without losing the fun?
By respecting the guest, not the tab. Good bars pace the night naturally with guests, offer low-ABV and zero-proof options, and never glamorize excess. Hospitality over hangovers. The fun stays. The regret does not.
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What is your take on the sober-curious movement? Threat or opportunity?
A huge opportunity. People are not rejecting bars. They are rejecting pressure. If someone wants one drink, or a non-alcoholic drink, or just the vibe, we welcome them. Bars are about belonging and connection. Not just alcohol.
What is the next evolution in bar experiences? Tech-driven, hyper-personalized, or nostalgic?
We genuinely believe bars are an AI-safe business. Technology can support operations, reservations, learning, and data. But the final interaction needs to be human to be meaningful. Bars work because humans make you feel seen.
The future is slower, more intimate, and more personal. Tech backstage. Hospitality front stage.
Finally, what is your go-to drink at The Bar Behind The Sandwich Shop?
I love all our cocktails, but PB&J has a special place. Inspired by the classic peanut butter and jam sandwich, the flavour profile mirrors the sandwich while still being balanced, structured, and elegant. It is nostalgic and creative without tipping into novelty - a must-try!
