Bar Review: Hilton Garden Inn Gurgaon- Striking a confident Pose

Pose- The fashion bar at Hilton Garden Inn Gurgaon, is strategically located in Sector 50, near prime corporate and residential quarters. The bar is a preferred watering hole of many in this area on two accounts- firstly due to no equivalent option available within a 5 km radius and secondly, a certain versatility in the place that affords it to adapt to different customer profiles- from meditational sippers to exuberant denizens.

Décor and Ambience

The bar, which is an extension of the hotel’s world  cuisine restaurant “Glasshouse” is designed on a modern theme and can seat upto  40 guests. In line with its fashion theme, it is done up in silver, gold and purple combined with fusion design elements. The seating is comfortable and well arranged to give a feeling of space notwithstanding the medium sized floor area. The floor to ceiling glass walls enable a beautiful view of the lush green lawns and a contemporary alfresco area on the other side, where popular events are often conducted (DJ Aqeel was there the preceding week of my visit). The overall luminescence is good, central to which is a mesmerizing array of hanging lumières  right above the bar counter.

Beverages Menu

Settling down at the bar, I was served a rack of iced tea sampler  with an option to order larger measures. I sampled the chamomile, apple-basil and rose flavours that turned out refreshing and rejuvenating. Non alcoholic drinkers would find it an attractive low cal option. The overall beverages menu of the bar is quite uncomplicated and functional with a good selection of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages including freshly brewed coffee. The Single Malt and Wine range though, is conservative- which according to Vivek Sharma, the General Manager at the hotel, is in the process of being enhanced. However, what interested me the most was that unlike the common practice, the bar highlights its innovative cocktails more than the world classics- that are mentioned succinctly as “Stone Age Mix”. Sensing their pride in their mixology skills, I considered it worthwhile to sample some of the ingenious cocktails on offer:

 

Juvenile Flash: Vodka, Orange Juice and Red Bull

Verdict: Vibrant as its name, this bright orange drink is actually a twist to the classic Screwdriver- one of the simplest yet charming classics. The Red Bull effect gave it an extra peppiness and a refined balance. The ease of preparation also makes it an ideal party punch.

Virile Fizzle: Blended Whisky, Blackberry Syrup, Lemon Juice and Sprite

Verdict: Potent name apart, the drink has an innate fruitiness quotient and despite two sweet ingredients, a good balance However, may not work  for those who dislike more than a dash of sugar in their drink.

Hop Up: Draught Beer, Vodka, grape juice, fresh mint leaves and lemon juice

Verdict: In the times when many bars in the city find draught beer unsustainable due to supply side problems, this drink not only uses the same but also harnesses its freshness quotient- further adding complexity and aromatics to it. I am sure that even brew haters would love this one.

Wines

The wine list at Pose is not humungous but incorporates a decent repertoire from major wine regions of the world . Certain fast moving wines are also available by the glass and work as good incentive for light drinkers and experimentative souls. I ordered the Beringer Stone Cellars Merlot, USA (available by the glass at Rs 575 for 150 ml) and  Bird in Hand, Two in the Bush Semillon-Sauvignon, Australia available for Rs. 4550 per bottle. The condition  of wines was good, and the service- impeccable.

Food

A brief chat with Executive Chef Vikas Pant gave me an insight on  his philosophy of balancing the five basic senses of taste- sweet, salty, sour, bitter and savoury, with central focus being on the range of drinks in the bar. Sure enough, the food menu had an assortment of light and strong flavours - both vegetarian and non vegetarian, prepared using different modes of cooking viz. pan frying, steaming  and baking. The serving measures were good and value for money. I sampled the Chilli Lamb Spring Rolls, Spicy Garlic Prawns, Bhatti ka Murgh Tikka, Lamb Seekh Kabab, Batter Fried Fish with Chilli Mayo and Breaded Mushrooms with Chilli Garlic Mayo.  The food was well prepared with a signature touch to most of the dishes.

Batter Fried Fish with Chilli Mayo

Chilli Lamb Spring Roll

Crispy Breaded Mushroom

Spicy Garlic Prawns

Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

Extras

The co location of the bar with the dining area offers convenience to those who may like to conclude  the experience with a complete meal. The restaurant has a Rs 1149/ 1499 (plus taxes) daily buffet lunch/ dinner comprising of Indian, Italian, Continental and Pan Asian Cuisines to facilitate this. But of course there is also the à la carte option for those who would like it petite.

The Buffet Spread

Upside

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• ·         Relaxed ambience.
• ·         Zealous staff.
• ·         Innovative drinks and food.
• ·         Value for money.

Downside

• ·         A frugal Single Malts menu.

Average price for two: Rs. 4000.00

Hilton Garden Inn, Gurgaon Baani Square

Sector 50,Gurgaon – 122002,Haryana, India

T +91-124-442-0000

F +91-124-442-0010

Email: gurgaonbaanisquare.hgi.com