A 17-foot tall wall of bottles, shining brightly under pale spotlights, commands your attention as soon as you enter Refinery 091 through a giant wooden door. That’s the mixology station that sleights your favourite poison, curated by famous mixologist Shatbi Basu. The Brewery & Kitchen at Sector V, which is yet to start brewing craft beers, gets you with its eclectic vibe instantly. The snaking pipes on the ceiling and walls lend the feeling of a refinery. We loved the DJ’s console shaped after a metallic boiler tank, on the ground floor. The dance floor is more inviting post 8 pm, when the DJ takes over the console. More music is belted out on Saturdays with bands charging up the pub. “We have named it so since it has a look of a refinery and we are also going start brewing craft beer shortly. 091 is the code of India and we want it to be synonymous with good life,” says Sk Samim, General Manager of Refinery 091.
Going with the flow
Their upper deck is ideal for private parties and even has a VIP section for the Xbox gang. The soft leather couches are perfect entrapment for chilling out with friends. The joint buzzes with the energy of office goers, who unwind post a hectic day with drinks, hookah and some nibbles. The two-month-old hotspot, spread across 8,000 sq ft, offers some amazing cocktails and mocktails. Date and Gondhoraj Bourbon Sour makes for a refreshing start. Served with a slice of kaffir lime, a leaf of the citrusy fruit and topped with a date, the aromatic drink is a must-have during summers. We also enjoyed our sips of the sweet Mango Cilantro Margarita that was served with a red chili. The basil and salt dust on the rim added an extra zing to the taste. For those who want to slurp on mocktails, the creamy and aromatic Lost Island and watermelon-based Almost Pattaya are great options.
Best of the rest
Their food menu has a multi-cuisine character and is curated by consultant chef Amit Puri. Chinese, Italian, continental and Indian cuisine find a place in the menu. Three starters soon crowded our table, whetting our appetites. The Cheesy Daal Chawal Aranchini, served with pickled mayo, was a crunchy and cheesy affair. The two tandoori delights that were served next tantalised our taste buds. The Kolhapuri Chicken Tikka and Prawn Tikka, served with mint and coriander chutney and pickled onions, are the best bites for those with a small appetites. The dessert Because Why Not was loaded with all-things-good in a glass. PS: The menu says they lost count of the number of ingredients in it. Imagine Oreos, marshmallows, chocolate wafers, Kit-Kat bars and canned strawberries lazing on top of ice cream and a chocolate base. It’s sinful, to say the least.
Pocket Pinch
`1000 for two.