A poolside restaurant covered with tall trees, warm décor that reminds you of Greece and soothing music playing in the background. We’re talking about the newly opened The Bar Project in Begumpet. Tucked away in Country Club, this resto-bar is the go-to-place, if you’re looking for a fun hangout spot, away from the noise of bustling roads in the city. With blue and white-themed interiors depicting the streets of Crete, it promises to transport you to Greece, right in the centre of Hyderabad.
Sure, there is no Mediterranean breeze, but a promise of gentle wind from the poolside and huge window openings. Staying true to the theme, there are stucco walls and slanting roofs. Don’t miss clicking pictures of the French lamps that light up the space, the decorative hanging pots and an illustration of a blue dolphin.
The 80-seater boasts a bar in both outdoor and indoor sections with cafe-style seating. “There are few resto-bars in this locality. With The Bar Project, we wanted to offer a space for people to drop by after work and have a fun time. The menu is also minimal with local favourites, which goes well with drinks. We want to provide an eatery that gives a chill and relaxed vibe to anybody who walks in,” says owner Jay Baldev, as we sip on Coconut Martini. Served in coconut and mixed with coconut water, lime, sugar syrup and mint, this vodka-based cocktail is not just unique in its presentation, but is just as refreshing with a subtle hint of sweetness.
The menu is extensively Indian with comfort food options like samosa and Manchuria. One can pick the base starter and choose a sauce they would like it to be tossed in. While most of the dishes are short eats, there is a dedicated main course menu, if you’re looking for a meal. Apart from Indian, the menu also has a couple of pasta and pizza variations and Chinese options as well.
We opt for Mini Mutter Samosa to begin with. Served in steel tiffin boxes with mint chutney and chopped onions, the tiny samosas are filled with creamy mutter gravy, reminding us of homemade savouries. After finishing off this starter, we find ourselves munching on Chicken 65 — regular Hyderabadi speciality with a sharp tangy aftertaste, courtesy the lemon juice topping. The Cheese Cigars, served in a martini glass, are easy favourites with delicious cheese filling. Seafood lovers can try Machi Chilli and Jhinga 65, while we recommend Veg Nachos and Bruschetta Tomato Basil for continental lovers.
We settle with Indian cuisine for the main course. Tawa Paneer Makhni Pulao is full of masala, just the way you would find on the streets of Hyderabad. The Sambar Rice — served with Aloo or Chicken 65 — is spicy with rich flavours of ghee. There are no desserts at this outlet, but we’re not surprised — they are neighbours to the most popular dessert parlour in the city! But we’re surely returning for the mini samosas and desi cocktails.
Price for two: Rs.800.